Dillon Brooks Sounds Off on Grizzlies Exit, Says Lack of Trust Derailed Memphis Core
It’s been nearly three years since Dillon Brooks last suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies, but the sting of that breakup still lingers-and he’s not shy about saying why. Now with the Phoenix Suns, Brooks opened up about his departure from Memphis, pulling no punches when reflecting on what he sees as a fractured culture and a missed opportunity for long-term success.
“I think there was just no trust overall between the top and bottom, players and front office,” Brooks said. “You can see that now. I feel like if we stayed together for two more years, that core group, we're right in the same place as OKC, in my humbling mind.”
That’s a bold comparison, but not without some weight. The Thunder have emerged as one of the Western Conference’s most promising young teams, built around continuity and internal development-two things Brooks clearly believes the Grizzlies let slip away.
Brooks Believes He Was the Fall Guy
Brooks didn’t mince words about how things ended for him in Memphis. In his view, he became the scapegoat for a team that was unraveling behind the scenes.
"I'm doing what I do and somehow the scapegoat was me,” he said. “I just felt like I got the short end of the stick, but it motivated me to be better. It motivated me to see a different light in myself and build out what I really wanted to build out, which was work ethic, professionalism, and showcasing that I can play anywhere."
That chip on his shoulder? It’s still there-but it’s been repurposed.
Brooks has leaned into the role of a gritty, defensive-minded wing who brings toughness and edge to his teams. And while his exit from Memphis may have been rocky, it’s clear he’s used it as fuel.
From Memphis to Houston to Phoenix
Since leaving Memphis in 2023, Brooks has been on the move. He landed in Houston before being sent to Phoenix as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Kevin Durant to the Rockets.
And if there’s any bitterness about being dealt again, Brooks isn’t showing it. In fact, he gets it.
“They wanted to keep me to build more and more to that franchise,” Brooks said of his brief stint with the Rockets. “But overall, when you got a guy like Kevin Durant, you cannot pass up on it.
And they're doing well. They haven't fell off-like Memphis did."
That last line? A not-so-subtle jab at his former team.
Memphis Has Slid Since Brooks’ Departure
It’s hard to argue with Brooks’ assessment of the Grizzlies’ recent struggles. The team that once looked like a rising force in the West has stumbled. After failing to make the playoffs the year Brooks left, Memphis followed that with a first-round sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder and fired head coach Taylor Jenkins near the end of last season.
This year hasn’t been much better. The Grizzlies are five games under .500 and reportedly listening to trade offers for star guard Ja Morant-a far cry from the swagger and promise that defined the team just a few seasons ago.
Brooks Has Found His Fit in Phoenix
Meanwhile, Brooks is thriving in Phoenix. He’s carved out a key role on a Suns team that’s firmly in the playoff mix, bringing his trademark edge and defensive versatility to a roster loaded with talent. While his time in Memphis may have ended with finger-pointing and frustration, Brooks has found a new lane-and he’s driving in it with confidence.
For now, he gets to hold the scoreboard. The Grizzlies are searching for answers, and Brooks is playing meaningful basketball for a contender. Whether or not Memphis made the right call is up for debate, but Brooks is making sure his side of the story is heard-and he’s backing it up on the court.