Why Memphis Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman said Dillon Brooks wasn't traded at deadline
Dillon Brooks said Tuesday he would be fine whether or not he remained with the Memphis Grizzlies. As a veteran, he was ready for whatever happened as Thursday's NBA trade deadline approached. By Thursday night, he didn't have to worry as Brooks remained with the team.
On Friday, general manager Zach Kleiman reaffirmed that not only does Brooks remain a valuable part of the team, he wasn't a part of any deal that the Grizzlies offered to try and improve the roster.
"Dillon Brooks is a huge part of this team," Kleiman said. "Dillon Brooks is not someone who was shopped or anything to that effect at the deadline. He's someone who we view as a critical component of this group and very much hope and could see him playing a big role for us for years to come."
What didn't change, however, is that Brooks' future with the Grizzlies remains murky after this season. The sixth-year player will be a free agent and the only member of the team without a contract going into 2023-2024.
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In Tuesday's win over the Chicago Bulls, some fans booed him during a 2-for-12 shooting performance. Brooks said afterward he didn't care about the boos as he's been mired in a slump since January while averaging his fewest points per game (15.1) in four seasons.
Kleiman lent his support to Brooks and trusted that he'll figure things out as the Grizzlies resume their chase a third consecutive playoff berth.
"I'm proud of the progress that Dillon's making in a lot of ways. His assist rate is up. He's trying to make the right plays. I think, especially lately, the quality of shots that he's taken has just trended in a very positive direction," Kleiman said. "They're just not falling. It's a make or miss league and everyone's going to react and, at times, I think overreact ... but I think Dillon's process has been really good. I think he's focused on trying to round out his game and be a contributor to a team that gets to where we want to get to."
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Dillon Brooks: Grizzlies GM on why guard wasn't traded at deadline
