2023 NBA Free Agency: Insider says the Rockets are certain to sign Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks is on the lookout for a new team for next season after it was announced that he won't be returning to the Memphis Grizzlies following their first-round playoff exit.
Interestingly, the Houston Rockets have emerged as a possible landing destination for the unrestricted free agent.
The Rockets have started to make moves to improve their team for next season. Since the offseason started, Houston has announced that Ime Udoka will be the new head coach. Additionally, many veteran players have been rumored to be targets of the organization.
The Athletic's Kelly Iko reported that there's a huge chance Brooks could be playing in Houston next season:
"I’m pretty confident Dillon Brooks is going to be a Houston Rocket," Iko wrote.
“I’m pretty confident Dillon Brooks is going to be a Houston Rocket.”
— @KellyIko https://t.co/WQFTimalC3
Brooks isn't the only veteran player that the franchise is targeting this offseason. Chicago Bulls' Fred VanVleet, who's also an unrestricted free agent, has been part of rumors centered around the Rockets as well.
Last season, Brooks' scoring numbers dropped. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting over 32% from beyond the arc. Compared to his 30.9% efficiency during the 2021-22 season, some could say that he improved a bit.
Throughout last season, he was tasked with being the agitator of the team and guard the star player on opposing teamw. However, his overconfidence got the best of him after he decided to go after LeBron James and the LA Lakers in the playoffs.
Brooks' comments about LeBron James fueled the fire for the entire Lakers squad. He wasn't able to back up his claims and struggled against the Hollywood side.
The defensive forward averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while only shooting 23.8% from 3-point range, which led to the Grizzlies getting eliminated in six games.
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How much is Dillon Brooks asking for in free agency?
Dillon Brooks is one of the best defenders in the league, finishing the 2022-23 season as an All-Defensive Second Team. Although his offensive numbers have gone down through the years, Brooks is still an elite defender for any team that decides to pursue him.
The three-and-D wing just finished his three-year $35 million deal with Memphis. Now, he's seeking a contract that's worth more than the $12.4 million mid-level exceptions. Seeing how he was able to solidify himself as a defensive forward, it's possible that a team could offer him a decent deal.
Dillon Brooks is seeking a contract worth more than the $12.4M MLE, per @TheSteinLine https://t.co/SjD6LCY41G
With the Houston Rockets hoping to return to the postseason, it's possible that they could offer him a reasonable contract. According to Marc Stein, Houston could have up to $61 million in cap space for next season.
With that in mind, Brooks could be the veteran player that the young stars of the team need.
Also read: NBA Rumors: Rockets could reportedly offer Dillon Brooks over $17 Million