The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster, and Dillon Brooks just became available. The 6'7 wing has been one of the most talked about players in the NBA after trash-talking LeBron James in the Grizzlies' first-round playoff series against the Lakers and calling him "old."
Following the series, Shams Charania reported that the Grizzlies won't be bringing Brooks back (subscription required) "under any circumstances." He wants $25 million per season and a larger offensive role. Memphis couldn't give him either and decided to move on.
Word is spreading around the NBA world about where Brooks would fit and who should sign the unrestricted free agent.
Former Maverick likes Dillon Brooks' potential fit in Dallas next to Luka Doncic
Former Maverick Chandler Parsons thinks Brooks would be good in Dallas.
"I like him in Dallas with Kyrie Irving and Luka," Parsons said. "They're a team that needs toughness."
Parsons played two seasons for the Mavericks where he averaged 14.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
The nine-year NBA veteran is right that Dallas needs toughness, and Brooks would bring that, but is he worth the extra baggage? He was a distraction for his team during the playoffs, and his production regressed this season.
Parsons later said that Brooks will learn from his mistakes during the playoffs with the media. Brooks gave the Lakers bulletin board material through his comments about James and his overall persona on and off the court. Brooks said "I poke bears," regarding him and James exchanging words, but he also poked the wrong "bear." He poked the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said after their first-round exit, "We're going to take a different approach as it pertains to (trash talk) next season." Most of this trash talk was revolving around Brooks, and it was one of the many reasons that they are not bringing him back.
Dallas is a team to keep your eye on as free agency approaches. Brooks' name has been flying around the team for the past few days and could be a player that Dallas pursues in free agency.
Despite Parsons' thoughts on Brooks fitting in Dallas, the Mavericks disagree.
Kevin Gray of 105.3 The Fan reported that a source among the Mavericks organization questions his "character and I.Q." and thinks that he has "poor" shot selection. Even though Dallas "like(s) his defense" that may not be enough for Brooks to convince them to give him a hefty contract.
Stay tuned to see if the Dallas Mavericks decide to sign Dillon Brooks this summer or if they'll look elsewhere for defensive help.