Dillon Brooks - Memphis Grizzlies v Los Angeles Lakers - Game Four
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Dillon Brooks (#24) of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

After spending six seasons with the team, becoming one of its key players and a main culture driver of the team's current era, the Memphis Grizzlies decided that Dillon Brooks would not be brought back "under any circumstances" almost immediately after losing in six games against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Aside from his specialty at the defensive side of the ball, Brooks is also known for his extra antics on-and-off the floor. The 27-year-old was suspended for a game last March for incurring his 16th technical foul of the season.

During their playoff series last April, Brooks notably called Lakers superstar LeBron James "old," drawing scrutiny.

But despite all these antics, it is still not the main reason the Grizzlies decided against bringing back the 6-foot-6 wing.

Reporter Tim McMahon said that Brooks' poor shot selection was the primary reason for the end of his time in Memphis and his unwillingness to take a backseat on offense.

"Dillon did not want to be a fourth or fifth offensive weapon," McMahon added.

Ime Udoka wanted Dillion Brooks

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka's desire to have Brooks played a big role in the team signing him to a four-year, $80 million deal this offseason.

"[Udoka] valued him. He's in Houston a large part because of that. It's on Ime Udoka to deal with that stuff and get the best version of Dillon Brooks," McMahon said.