Dillon Brooks is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. He’s also a bit unpredictable. Brooks has a personality that can occasionally rub people the wrong way. Perhaps that’s why the Memphis Grizzlies chose to let him walk this summer.
Fair. The Grizzlies looked like a team that needed a culture shift in 2022-23. They may have felt that losing Brooks would be part of that change.
With that said – Brooks is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. He won’t be easy to replace. This summer, the Grizzlies need to find someone who can at least partly replicate his role. How about Royce O’Neale of the Brooklyn Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Royce O’Neale, 2025 Second-Round Pick (MIA via BKN), 2027 Second-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
On the other hand, the Grizzlies could have had basketball reasons for letting Brooks go as well. He’s one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. Offensively, it’s a different story. Brooks is a complicated player on that end – and often, he’s a net negative.
Mainly, his shot selection can be questionable. Brooks launches some absurd shots. The degree of difficulty on them is high, and their probability of success is painfully low.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Royce O’Neale, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Was that Brooks’ fault entirely? Perhaps not. The Grizzlies were disorganized last season. His career efficiency is not as woeful as it was last season. Either way, the Houston Rockets will hope to see him improve in this facet of the game next season. Can the Grizzlies replace him with O’Neale?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Luckily, that’s not a problem O’Neale has ever had. His shot selection is pristine. He just doesn’t shoot very often. O’Neale doesn’t have Brooks’ ability to create shots, but the Grizzlies don’t need him to have it, either.
They need him to be a 3-and-D wing. O’Neale can do the job. Meanwhile, he provides some strong connective passing as an added bonus.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Royce O’Neale, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Does losing Clarke sting? It does. With that said, the Grizzlies rely on Steven Adams’ offensive rebounding. They also have Xavier Tillman, and Jaren Jackson Jr. plays the 5. If they’re moving a big man to replace Brooks, it’s likely to be Clarke. Should the Nets want Clarke?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Some Nets fans won’t love this deal. They’ll say they’ve already got a versatile, agile defensive big. Sure. On the other hand, two are better than one. Besides, there are no guarantees that the Nets will even keep Claxton.
After all, he’s set to hit free agency this summer. In all likelihood, he’ll command a high price. Meanwhile, the Nets are cap strapped.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Royce O’Neale, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Still, Clarke can space the floor to a limited extent. The Nets could mostly stagger their two big men but also play them together for spurts. The Nets are acquiring Clarke to either back Claxton up, or replace him: Sometimes, NBA players need to be replaced.
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