If you’re a contending team looking for a defensive enforcer who can also give you 20 a night, sure - Dillon Brooks is the kind of player you’d love to have in your playoff rotation. He’s physical, relentless on defense, and he brings an edge that can swing the emotional tone of a series. But here’s the thing: the Phoenix Suns already have him, and they’re not exactly in a position to be giving away one of their most impactful players just because other teams are interested.
Let’s be clear - Brooks has been a huge part of why the Suns are outperforming expectations so far this season. They’re sitting in the No. 7 spot in the West, and while that’s not quite in the same tier as Denver, OKC, or the Lakers right now, it’s a solid position for a team that’s still figuring things out.
And Brooks? He’s been right in the middle of it all.
This isn’t just about stats, though the numbers are solid. It’s about what he brings every night - defensive intensity, toughness, and a willingness to take on the toughest assignments.
He’s the guy who doesn’t back down, who gets under opponents’ skin, and who makes life easier for Phoenix’s stars by doing the dirty work. That kind of presence isn’t easy to replace.
And let’s not forget: Brooks is under contract, he’s happy in Phoenix, and the Suns aren’t looking at a rebuild. Trading him at the deadline would feel like taking a step backward, not forward - especially when he’s arguably been their second-best player this season.
This isn’t a rental situation where a team is trying to salvage value before a player walks in free agency. This is a guy who’s bought in, contributing, and helping the team win.
It’s worth remembering what Phoenix has lacked in recent years. They’ve had the scoring - Devin Booker has made sure of that - but they haven’t always had that defensive-minded wing who can bring some bite to the lineup.
Now that they’ve finally got one, why would they move on from him so quickly? If anything, the front office should be looking to build around that core, not break it up.
Of course, the NBA is a business. Calls will come in.
Teams will check on Brooks’ availability, because that’s what contenders do - they sniff around for players who can tilt a playoff series in their favor. The Suns should listen, because that’s just good front office protocol.
But unless the return is something truly game-changing - we’re talking superstar-level - there’s really no reason to entertain those offers for long.
Phoenix has something that’s working. Brooks has delivered exactly what they hoped for when they brought him in - and then some. So unless Giannis is walking through that door (and let’s be honest, he’s not), there’s no real incentive for the Suns to hit reset on a plan that’s finally showing promise.
So yes, teams will call. And Phoenix should pick up the phone.
But after that? They should politely say no - and keep rolling with the guy who’s helped them find their edge.