Memphis Grizzlies release Dillon Brooks, ending his six-year tenure with the team

Dillon Brooks has been released by the Memphis Grizzlies.

A person familiar with Memphis' plans informed USA TODAY Sports that the Grizzlies do not intend to bring Brooks back next season. Because he was not authorised to speak publicly about the situation, the individual requested anonymity.

Brooks, a six-year veteran, is an unrestricted free agent who recently signed a three-year, $35 million contract extension. He has been an important part of Memphis' success over the last three seasons, particularly on defence. The Grizzlies boasted the league's third-best defence, anchored by Brooks on the wing and Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. at the rim.

Brooks' play, however, suffered in the first round of the playoffs. In the first round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, he shot 31.2% from the field and 23.8% from 3-point range.

The first-round series of Dillon Brooks
Brooks' career in Memphis comes to an end after he was the centre of attention during their first-round matchup. Following the Grizzlies' 103-93 Game 2 victory, Brooks referred to LeBron James as "old" and stated, "I don't respect anyone until they come and give me 40 points."

Brooks was disqualified in the second half of Game 3 in Los Angeles after slapping LeBron James in the groyne to loud applause from the crowd. The Lakers went on to win the series with a 40-point victory in Game 6.

During the Lakers series, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins discussed the team's lack of maturity, and after the series, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman mentioned "self-created distractions."

Brooks told reporters that he was not going to change and that trash talking is a part of who he is as a player.

"I don't regret it," Brook explained. "I am a rival." "I am a competitor."

Brooks scored 14.5 points per game in six seasons with the Grizzlies, including three career highs in the 2021-22 season.