The Phoenix Suns were always going to extend Dillon Brooks at the earliest opportunity, but doing so this offseason had made him their most likely trade candidate for this year.
It's a move the franchise would never take lightly, but their decision to sign him to a three-year, $73 million extension also safeguards their future if this season goes badly. If the fit between the starting five doesn’t work and Miles Bridges is difficult to move on from because of the backlash that comes with him, Brooks makes the most sense to put on the trade block.
Brooks is the best player Suns can now move to get better
He is currently the emotional heartbeat of this group, and he could end up an All-Star for the first time in 2027 if he takes another leap. The midseason exhibition taking place in The Valley only enhances his chances from a narrative standpoint. That would be the best time to cash in on Brooks’ standing throughout the league.
The 30-year-old Canadian international has proven he is a legitimate two-way threat (we see you, Shawn Marion), and his extension represents fair value for all involved. A true contender who is one player away could see Brooks as the missing piece to get over the hump.
The Alex Caruso-style trade that helped the Oklahoma City Thunder win a championship in 2025 was a big move. The Knicks took big swings on Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby at the perfect time. Not to compare the players, but perhaps there is a team that thinks Brooks could help similarly.
Cashing in on Brooks at the peak of his powers could also push the window open for Devin Booker to win it all for a little bit longer, at least until some uncomfortable conversations around their franchise cornerstone have to take place.
Suns won’t find another Brooks on open market for years
If they do decide the time is now to continue flipping players to get a little bit better each time, the front office needs to remember they won’t find another Brooks anytime soon.
He’s got rookies impersonating him and has made the two teams he’s played for in the past regret letting him go.
It might make sense as soon as this season from a business and roster-building perspective, but championships aren’t won on spreadsheets in boardrooms. Dillon Brooks is now the Suns’ most valuable realistic trade asset thanks to his extension, but that doesn’t mean he should be going anywhere. It all depends on how the season goes.
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