Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillion Brooks has reportedly played his final game for the team ahead of his free agency this summer. This comes after Brooks’ poor showing in the Grizzlies’ first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brooks is known as one of the NBA’s most prolific trash talkers, but he failed to back up his tough talk against LeBron James and the Lakers. In fact, they became just the fifth seventh seed ever to upset a number two seed.
Now, the Grizzlies are moving on from their starting small forward and the baggage that he brings in hopes of improving this summer. While other teams might be hesitant to bring in such a controversial player, it appears that two teams are expected to give him series consideration this summer.
Which teams could take a flyer on Dillion Brooks?
According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Detroit Pistons are believed to be one of the two teams that will show interest this summer. The Pistons finished with the worst record in the NBA this season and could use all of the help that they could get this summer.
That could start in the NBA draft, where they currently share the top odds for the number one pick. Still, their interest in Brooks doesn’t make that much sense on the surface. While they could use a starting three, they may instead select draft prospect Brandon Miller, which would probably keep them from signing Brooks.
The Miami Heat are the betting favorites to land Dillon Brooks, per @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/vmdJjoQZCM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 5, 2023
Meanwhile, Miami is the betting favorite to land Brooks this summer. The Heat are in the middle of a surprising playoff run and became just the fourth-eighth seed to beat a number-one seed. While their season is far from over, being considered the favorites to sign to Brooks is interesting. After all, the Heat, unlike the Pistons, won’t have cap space this summer.
Thus, there would be no way to sign him unless he took a pay cut to join them or they worked out a sign-and-trade with Memphis. They also don’t have an immediate need at the three with Jimmy Butler. Still, most teams could use the elite defense that he brings to the table, though they could do without the negative attention that comes with it.
Ultimately, Brooks will be playing for a new team next season. though it is still anyone’s guess which team that might be.