Pros and Cons of Raptors pursuing Dillon Brooks in free agency

The Toronto Raptors would have been over the moon to have a chance at signing Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks in free agency just a few months ago. A Mississauga-born, experienced wing who is a threat on the defensive end every single night, Brooks has sabotaged his own free agency in the last few weeks.

Brooks’ constant poking of LeBron James likely helped motivate him and the rest of the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers, who eliminated the No. 2 seed Grizzlies in the postseason. Memphis has already gone on the record saying there is no way in which Brooks could return to the team in 2023 and beyond.

The Raptors have emerged as the slight betting favorites to sign Brooks, with their lack of depth and the idea of bringing him back to Canada helping them stand out above the competition. Is it worth all the headaches and hassle that come along with bringing him to town?

Pros and Cons of the Raptors signing Dillon Brooks.

Pros

Brooks’ defense may not have been exceptional in the playoffs, but he’s shown to be a very pesky wing defender in the past. Going to Toronto, a team that values players with his length and strength on the perimeter, might be a good way for him to get back in a groove on both ends.

Brooks is very inconsistent, but we’ve seen him be a quality jump shooter for multiple seasons in this league that averaged close to 20 points per game. With Toronto quite thin in terms of backcourt presences, Brooks will be able to give them a shot in the arm at a radically discounted price.

Cons

You don’t need me to tell you that Brooks’ persona has made him completely radioactive across the NBA. If a Grizzlies team that has been one of the best in the West over the last few years was willing to drop him so publically and demonstratively,

Brooks is coming off his worst offensive season in years, as his scoring dipped and his efficiency dissipated. Even if he wasn’t behaving like a bad WWF villain that gets quietly canned after 18 months due to fan indifference, there are real concerns about an older first-time free agent providing adequate value.

Verdict

The Raptors should consider Brooks, but they can’t pay him anywhere near what Gary Trent Jr. is likely to receive in free agency. While the best version of Brooks would fit this team like a glove, there is a very good chance that he ends up being more of a headache. The contract details need to be very favorable for the Raptors to consider him.