The Memphis Grizzlies do not intend to re-sign Dillon Brooks in unrestricted free agency, league sources have confirmed to ESPN.
After second-seeded Memphis' first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team's decision to part ways with Brooks, the player on the squad with the longest stay at six years, was made clear.
While the Lakers' defenders frequently sagged off of him to clog the paint, Brooks had a disappointing series and caused controversy by calling LeBron James "old" and saying, "I poke bears," following the Grizzlies' victory in Game 2.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman stated at the team's exit interviews on Sunday that "we're going to take a different approach as it pertains to [trash talk] next season."
When questioned directly about Brooks, Kleiman responded, "I'll hammer on DB another day. As he enters free agency, there is nothing I can say at this time.
Elite wing defender Brooks, who complained about being painted as the "villain" during the playoffs, led the NBA with 18 technical fouls this season, which led to two consecutive one-game suspensions.
He was given a second game's suspension for punching Donovan Mitchell of Cleveland in the groyne area to create a fight between the two of them.
This season, Brooks, 27, averaged 14.3 points on 39.6% of his shots. The organisation has long been frustrated by his poor shot selection.
Throughout his Sunday exit interview with Memphis media, Brooks repeatedly mentioned his diminished role this season.
The Athletic was the first outlet to break the news of the Grizzlies' decision to not re-sign Brooks.