Could the Raptors Pursue Dillon Brooks As Grizzlies' Guard Hit Unrestricted Free Agency?

The Toronto Raptors would have to work out a sign-and-trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire Dillon Brooks this offseason

Aaron Rose | May 2, 2023

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Let’s start here: Dillon Brooks is an extremely good defender.

The 27-year-old Mississauga native regularly takes on the league’s toughest matchups and holds his own as well as anyone. Need someone to stop a quick guard? Brooks can do it. Going up against a strong wing? Brooks can do it.

The problem for Brooks is far too often that’s where the list of positives comes to an end. He’s a stingy defender but his off-the-court headaches, constant trash-talking, and frustrating offensive game will likely cost him millions as the Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly informed the 27-year-old Canadian that he will not be re-signed this summer, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Where Brooks will head this summer remains anyone’s guess. He just concluded a three-year, $35 million contract and will presumably be too expensive for the Toronto Raptors to pursue with the mid-level exception worth roughly $10.5 million for next season.

Memphis had reportedly tried to offload Brooks at the trade deadline, potentially in a deal with the Raptors for O.G. Anunoby, but those talks never gained much traction, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

If Toronto did want to pursue Brooks, it would require a sign-and-trade and parting ways with one of the team’s bigger contracts. The Raptors are right up against the luxury tax for next season and would likely have to part with Pascal Siakam, Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, or Gary Trent Jr. in order to make the deal work financially. Both Trent and VanVleet are also expected to be unrestricted free agents this summer.

While Brooks would certainly bring some energy to the Raptors and a homecoming for the Canadian would be exciting for fans, his lackluster offensive efficiency numbers will likely steer the Raptors away from any serious Brooky discussions.

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