The Houston Rockets are boosting their wing defense with the addition of Memphis’ Dillon Brooks, though it isn’t yet clear if the free agency acquisition will come as a signing or as a sign-and-trade.
A 6-foot-6, 27-year-old wing, Brooks has averaged 14.5 points (34.2% on 3-pointers) in 28.7 minutes over six seasons with the Grizzlies. His primary value would seem to come as a tough, hard-nosed defender with considerable defensive versatility, though it’s possible his shooting numbers could improve if new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka can work to help improve Brooks’ shot selection.
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Shams Charania of The Athletic reports:
The Houston Rockets are nearing a deal with Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks, league sources told The Athletic on Saturday. Houston has been lining up trades around the league and could turn Brooks’ deal into a sign-and-trade with Memphis.
The contract is for four years and $80 million, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, and its annual salaries will descend by the year. There are no player or team options, The Athletic reports.
Massive free agent deal for Brooks upon leaving Memphis in free agency — and a deal that will be descending in annual salary, source said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
It isn’t yet known what the terms of a sign-and-trade would be, though it could potentially allow the Rockets to save more of their financial room beneath the NBA’s 2023-24 salary cap for another addition. After missing out on Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez, general manager Rafael Stone and the Rockets are working to find another veteran to potentially fill that role as a defensive minded big man.
If, hypothetically, the Rockets were to trade away a salaried player such as Jae’Sean Tate ($6.5 million) in a deal for Brooks, that could allow that money to be re-allocated for a big man.
So, for now, here’s a look at immediate reaction and key takeaways related to Houston’s deal with Brooks. It should be noted that while Brooks certainly brings a high level of grit and defensive tenacity, that has occasionally led to some controversial antics in recent years — such as his back-and-forth with LeBron James in the 2023 playoffs.
From the perspective of the Rockets, that’s something they hope leadership and guidance from Udoka can help to minimize.
Rockets are nearing a deal with Dillon Brooks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Houston has been lining up trades around league, and could turn Brooks deal into sign-and-trade with Memphis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023
Guys chill, theres more to it than Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks was going to happen regardless of the Atlanta deal. #Rockets
— Paulo Alves (@PauloAlvesNBA) July 1, 2023
There it is!!
Hopefully it’s for a good value and not more than 2 years. Dillon Brooks is a starting caliber player and a top 10 perimeter defender in the league.
We’re playing some fucking defense next season. https://t.co/HK1AQGn7JD
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) July 1, 2023
As expected. FVV and Brooks bring a good cultural identity to Houston. Something that was badly needed https://t.co/hfnXAR0PFV
— Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) July 1, 2023
Compared to where the Rockets were a just last year a lineup of FVV, Green, Brooks, Smith and Sengun and a bench of KPJ,Amen,KJ,Eason is night and day
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) July 1, 2023
I don’t mind Dillon Brooks for the Rockets but part me feels like in two years Tari Eason will be 95% of defense player he is and a way more efficient offense player.
— BloodyMaryTime (@bobby_segovia) July 1, 2023
Hear me out (if you’ve got any of your 600 tweets left…)
Rockets sign Dillon Brooks this year. They draft Bronny James next year.
LeBron then has to decide: just how much he wants to play with his son/just how much he really dislikes Dillon Brooks. pic.twitter.com/QfNBRXpSwJ
— Adam Winkler (@AdamWinkABC13) July 1, 2023
Rockets potential new starting lineup:
Fred Van Vleet
Jalen Green
Dillon Brooks
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen SengunHow many games are they winning next season? ???? pic.twitter.com/bXClm2FrYn
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) July 1, 2023
The Houston Rockets have been active this off-season by drafting Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, then signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks
The Rockets are becoming an under-the-radar team that has the cap space and potential to be good-great next season#NBAFreeAgency… https://t.co/Bv2pyWj3jq
— Court Side Heat (@courtsideheat) July 1, 2023
Dillon Brooks’ new four-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets has no player or team options and is fully guaranteed, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 1, 2023
Ime Udoka knows Patty Mills extremely well after spending numerous years together in San Antonio and Brooklyn. Besides the fact that Mills can help with shooting and floor spacing, my suspicion is Udoka views him as a strong culture guy
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 1, 2023
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