Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks has been out since early-January with a severe ankle sprain. But a return seems to be nearly for Brooks, as he's recently ramped up his activity.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said that Brooks is "progressing well". The team's goal is for Brooks to take part in more contact drills next week. If all goes well, that points to an early-March return for the veteran wing.

Brooks has only played in 21 games this season. When he has played, Brooks has been Memphis' second-leading scorer at 18.4 points per game, which is a career-best. He's also averaged a career-high in rebounds (3.3), assists (2.7) and steals (1.2) per game.

At the 2019 NBA draft, the New Orleans Pelicans were intrigued by the possibility of pairing AAU teammates Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. The Pelicans offered the Memphis Grizzlies multiple packages that included the No. 4 pick, but all were rebuffed.

The Grizzlies have subsequently become one of the Western Conference's best teams with a young core around Morant. Williamson has struggled with injuries during his first three seasons with the Pelicans.

The Pelicans traded down from No. 4 instead of taking Darius Garland and ended up with Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Garland, like Morant, is an All-Star in his third season.