Following the trade of Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns have entered a new phase by acquiring Dillon Brooks, a tough and tenacious defender known for his physical style of play. This move aims to add toughness and defensive intensity to a team seeking to complement Devin Booker’s prime years and improve its overall identity.
Brooks arrives with a reputation shaped by both his competitive nature and occasional controversy. Like Grayson Allen before him, who won over Suns fans with his shooting and growth, Brooks now has an opportunity to redefine his image while providing the kind of defensive grit that Phoenix has long lacked.
Overview of Dillon Brooks’ Profile and Career
Dillon Brooks, standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 225 pounds, primarily plays as a small forward or shooting guard, fulfilling a 3-and-D role. Entering his 30th season at age 29, Brooks has accumulated eight years of NBA experience since being selected 45th overall in the 2017 draft out of Oregon.
His NBA career includes six seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and two with the Houston Rockets. Now joining the Suns for the 2025–26 season, Brooks carries a four-year contract, with $22.25 million guaranteed for the coming year.
Last season with Houston, Brooks started 75 games, averaging 14 points on efficient shooting splits—including nearly 40% from three-point range—along with 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and one steal per game during the regular season. His playoff performance saw a slight dip statistically, scoring 12.3 points with 3.1 rebounds over seven games, but his energy and effort remained a highlight.
Transformation During Houston Tenure
After a turbulent tenure in Memphis, marked by on-court incidents and mixed public perception, Brooks found a renewed sense of purpose with the Rockets. His time in Houston was characterized by greater efficiency and more disciplined play, making him a reliable veteran presence on a rebuilding squad that nearly doubled its win total from the previous season.
Though his fiery nature led to an ejection during a game against Phoenix last season, Brooks generally maintained consistent minutes while spearheading Houston’s defensive effort. Such traits are exactly what Phoenix hopes will translate as they reshape their roster around core scorers like Booker and Beal.
International Impact and Defensive Tenacity
Brooks further demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure during the 2023 summer, playing a crucial role in Canada’s bronze medal run at the FIBA World Cup. He delivered a standout performance by scoring 39 points on nearly perfect three-point shooting in Canada’s third-place game against the USA, silencing critics and proving his capacity to excel on the world stage.
His aggressive perimeter defense and competitive mentality gave Team Canada a defensive edge, qualities the Suns desperately need after struggling on the perimeter last season. Brooks’ tenacity and willingness to confront opponents physically align well with Phoenix’s need for a defensive stalwart.
How Dillon Brooks Fits Into the Suns’ System
The Suns will not attempt to replace Kevin Durant’s scoring output with Brooks, but rather integrate him as a defensive wing who can bring intensity and toughness. Unlike the leaner Mikal Bridges, Brooks offers a more physical presence, which could energize the Suns both defensively and offensively.
Surrounded by reliable scorers such as Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Brooks won’t be required to create his own shots aggressively. Instead, he is expected to convert open looks, take charges, and disrupt opponents—areas where he excels and thrives in his role.
If the Suns deploy Brooks effectively alongside Booker and a solid frontline rotation, he could become the defensive anchor that was noticeably absent during the 2024–25 season, helping Phoenix tighten its lineup defensively and intimidating opposing wings.
Adding the Emotional Edge That Phoenix Has Lacked
With the departure of Kevin Durant, the Suns are entering a stage where two-way players who bring effort and fierce competitiveness are critical to the team’s success. Dillon Brooks fits this mold perfectly, providing the edge and emotional leadership Phoenix recently missed.
This shift mirrors the example set by Grayson Allen, who transformed his reputation through hard work and clutch shooting in Phoenix. Brooks now has the chance to follow a similar path, becoming a beloved figure by embracing his “Villain” persona while contributing meaningfully on both ends of the court.
Off-Court Presence and Fan Engagement
Off the court, Brooks stays connected with fans via social media, especially on Instagram, where he shares aspects of his workouts, national pride, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his preparation. Though less active on Twitter, he maintains a YouTube channel that is likely to gain more content given his recent move to Phoenix.
His willingness to lean into his “Villain” role adds a unique flavor to his personality, endearing him to fans who appreciate competitive spirit and authenticity.
What This Trade Signals About Phoenix’s Direction
The Suns’ acquisition of Dillon Brooks signals a clear intent to build a team identity grounded in toughness, defense, and resilience. While Brooks may never be a quiet or flawless figure, his readiness to defend aggressively and challenge opponents aligns well with Phoenix’s evolving style centered around its star players.
Phoenix’s need for more grit is undeniable, and Brooks appears poised to fill that void with his combative style and defensive prowess. His addition could be pivotal in creating a more balanced and imposing Suns team as they push toward competitiveness in the coming seasons.
“Dillon Brooks: Career Year Behind the Scenes”
—Cory Cash, Documentary Filmmaker