The entire NBA knows that the Phoenix Suns would never trade Devin Booker, at least not unless he formally asked to be moved. But what about Dillon Brooks?
The 29-year-old has been a revelation in The Valley this season, his desire to win every regular season matchup one of the reasons the Suns have found themselves in the playoff mix.
Brooks could become a trade target for contenders
But with appreciation for the player at perhaps an all-time high, Brooks is also showing he can be the best player on a team for small periods while remaining competitive, so too could interest in his services.
NBA trade season is officially underway, and what if another franchise comes in with the kind of offer for Brooks at owner Mat Ishbia can't refuse? To be fair to Ishbia, he was bullish on Brooks remaining in The Valley for life when the topic came up recently.
SUNS-LAKERS ENDING WAS WILD 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 15, 2025
Dillon Brooks EJECTED after clutch 3, LeBron FOULED on three point attempt, hits free throws to win it for the Lakers pic.twitter.com/ptWQpHyzNL
The Suns don't have much draft capital, or a surplus of can't miss young players outside of Jalen Green currently on their books. Yes Brooks raises their floor, he's already proven he can do that.
But if the organization wants to raise the ceiling in order to keep Booker happy and get back to contention in the coming years, then they have to take any trade offer for Brooks seriously.
For those who think that this will never happen, and that a contender wouldn't part with a player or picks of equal value to what Brooks has brought to Phoenix, you need only look at the Oklahoma City Thunder. Three words that will haunt the Suns for some time yet.
They had the superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the infrastructure put in place through the draft and free agency to build a contender around him. Then they gave up one of the best young players in the league in Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, and that was the final piece.
You can't tell us Brooks couldn't have a Caruso style impact for a contender out there, and if a team is desperate enough you would be surprised what they would be willing to give up.
It's not all doom and gloom though, this just shows how quickly Brooks has helped to change the perception in Phoenix. In truth he's been doing this going back to his tenures in Houston and Memphis.
The Suns don't have to say yes to any potential trades either, but their resolve could be tested by a Giddey kind of deal that nobody seems coming. A good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless.