Why the Memphis Grizzlies should extend Dillon Brooks before he becomes an UFA in 2023

Memphis Grizzlies star Dillon Brooks is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason. He has been with the team for his entire career after being acquired in a draft-day trade from the Houston Rockets to the Grizzlies.

During his time in Memphis, Brooks has grown and developed into an incredible scorer. Before he was forced to miss some time last season due to a broken left hand, Brooks was on pace to have the best season of his career. He finished the season averaging 18.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals a game.

With last season only being his fifth year in the NBA, these are incredible numbers. Brooks has developed into an ideal three-and-d wing that is almost essential on a championship team.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies should try to extend Dillon Brooks now

With Brooks continuing to trend upwards as a player as well as the team showing potential to become a dynasty, the Grizzlies’ front office needs to make the move and resign Brooks.

As the regular season inches closer and closer, it looks unlikely that an extension will be reached during this offseason, and that may be for the best. Although he was putting up career numbers almost across the board, there was a very concerning drop-off in three-point percentage from Brooks last season.

In his first four years with the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks averaged 4.5 threes attempted per game and had a three-point percentage of 35.3%. However, last season, on 4.7 attempts per game, he had a three-point percentage of 30.9%.

As long as his three-point percentage does not continue to drop next year and he can get closer to his career average, there is no reason that the Grizzlies should pass up the opportunity to keep Brooks on the roster.

In the 2022 season, Brooks is set to make $11.5 million. With him continuing to develop and improve as a player, he will be set to make much more than his current deal.

With the Memphis Grizzlies set to be $7.4 million over the cap this season, they will have to continue to go further over the cap to keep Brooks on the team. The max Brooks can be offered is a four-year $61.3 million deal. This would break down to around $15.3 million a year.

With Brooks’ improved play through his current contract, a salary increase of around $3.8 million per year would not be impossible. It is unknown if the Grizzlies are willing to offer this deal, or if Brooks will test free agency.

However, it is crucial that the two sides get together during the regular season and work out an extension.