The Memphis Grizzlies are in the middle of a tough series against LeBron James and the LA Lakers. One of the players for the Grizzlies who has seen the spotlight is Dillon Brooks. The former Oregon Ducks star has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
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In particular, his battle with King James has garnered much interest. The two men have been going back and forth over the past three games. But, Game 3 didn’t go as planned, as Brooks found himself ejected after low-blowing LeBron.
With the possibility of suspension in addition to his issues with foul trouble, many have asked the question. Why didn’t the Grizzlies cut their losses?
Well, the truth is, the Memphis outfit actually did try to move on from Brooks. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the assets to move on from the “LeBron James Stopper”.
Memphis Grizzlies tried trading away Dillon Brooks for Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby
Dillon Brooks has been a menace for both LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in their Round 1 matchup. But, he may prove to be more of a problem for the Memphis Grizzlies. After all, his fines worth $300,000 have already shown what a liability he could be.
Add to that his recent ejection in Game 3 and his insistence on being the villain and it’s safe to say that the Grizzlies need to weigh their options. But, why didn’t they do it sooner? As a matter of fact, they did.
Before the trade deadline, the Grizzlies explored trade options for Brooks. According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, the Grizz considered trading Dillon to either the Nets or the Raptors in return for either Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby.
They even offered a host of picks to both teams, but to no avail, leaving them with the “LeBron James Stopper” till the end of the season.
“They tried to upgrade at the trade deadline. They threw 4 picks at the Nets trying to get Mikal Bridges. They really weren’t able to get the Raptors in serious conversations, but they would have given up a few picks to get OG Anunoby They’ve tried to move on from Dillon Brooks already.”
Dillon Brooks was ejected after receiving a flagrant 2 for this hit to LeBron. pic.twitter.com/LL9CLRAryy
— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2023
There’s a good chance that Dillon could be playing his last few games in Memphis. But he will be focusing on the now and that means he’s thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t pick up a suspension.
Brooks will not face a suspension despite being ejected over a flagrant 2 foul in Game 3
Dillon Brooks has been the topic of much concern recently. His decision to take a swing below the belt at LeBron James whether intentional or unintentional was poor. So much so, that it landed him in contention for a suspension.
Luckily, the NBA decided to be lenient despite its recent history. He will be available to the Grizzlies for Game 4.
Brooks was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected for a a shot to James’ groin in Game 3 on Saturday night, but league will not suspend Brooks, sources said. https://t.co/rGWNfv9DJu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2023
All things considered, Dillon Brooks is a man walking on thin ice. He has been slacking in terms of what he brings to the table. And, this could affect his options come free agency.