Should the Milwaukee Bucks take a stab at Dillon Brooks?

Here's why Dillon Brooks could be the perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks and how he could help contribute to their success.

For all intents and purposes, Dillon Brooks isn’t very well-liked around the league these days. Whether it’s his off-putting comments, in-your-face defense, or controversial tactics, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that many teams would rather avoid signing him. As a matter of fact, his own team, the Memphis Grizzlies—a team he has played for the last six years—has reportedly stated they would not “under any circumstances” re-sign the contentious wingman.

However, the Milwaukee Bucks may find themselves in need of a player like Brooks. After the stunning flameout in the first round at the hands of the Miami Heat, two things were clear: the Bucks need an injection of youth and some gritty defense—things that Brooks can bring to the table.

What Brooks can bring

According to renowned NBA insider Shams Charania, Milwaukee was one of the teams that contacted Memphis to inquire about the possibility of acquiring Brooks at the trade deadline. While that initial inquiry did not prosper, perhaps the Bucks can revisit the possibility now with the recent developments.

Brooks has always been a defensive menace, creating havoc at an elite level. He’s proven this time and time again against some of the league’s elite scorers. And while his tactics backfired against him and the Grizzlies in their first-round ouster at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, his value on the floor cannot be denied.

Can the Bucks keep him in check?

To ignore Brooks’ background, though, would be foolish. His defensive aptitude aside, to bring Brooks into the team’s fold would require a delicate hand on the part of head coach Mike Budenholzer and his staff—one that could balance any potential off-the-court issues with his value on the court.

The Bucks have had some success in taming controversial personalities such as DeMarcus Cousins in 2021 and Grayson Allen, who’s their starting two-guard. Whether or not the Bucks can bring Brooks into the fold and have him remain on a winning track remains to be seen. The team has shown an ability to identify and nurture talent in the past, so it’s no surprise if they are looking at Brooks as an option heading into next season.