Suns make their stance on Dillon Brooks crystal clear

During Media Day on Wednesday, Mat Ishbia made it clear that the Phoenix Suns targeted Dillon Brooks during their Kevin Durant trade talks with the Rockets. Ishbia said Brooks is the "kind of guy we want here."

Phoenix received Brooks, Jalen Green, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft (Khaman Maluach), and several second-round picks for Durant. Green was the "headliner" of the trade, given the potential that he has, but everyone already knows the kind of player Brooks can be.

It was said several times during Wednesday's Suns broadcast, but he's the kind of player you want to go up against, but love to have on your team. Ishbia pointed out how tough Brooks is, noting that he's a defensive-minded player who doesn't hesitate to stick up for his teammates. That sums him up pretty well.

Phoenix is excited about the players it received in the trade, but if Media Day was any indication, there seems to be the most excitement about Brooks.

Suns targeted Dillon Brooks in Kevin Durant trade talks

First-time head coach Jordan Ott praised Brooks, too. He discussed what it was like to go up against Brooks a couple of years ago when he was on the Lakers' staff, and what it will be like to have a player with his kind of "edge" in Phoenix.

What Ott said he didn't know, though, is how hard Brooks works. He called him one of the hardest workers he has ever seen. When you think about the kind of players that Ott has been around, that's saying something.

Brooks wasn't some throw-in to the Suns. They value what he brings on and off the court. Yes, that includes the villain role that he loves to play. Brooks talked about embracing that role and described his game as being "smash mouth" and "physical."

Fans aren't used to having a player like Brooks around. If you weren't on board with his addition yet, you should be after hearing what everyone said about him at Media Day. He's a different player than he was in Memphis a few years ago, and his shooting has improved in Houston, assuming those are two of the things that those who are skeptical have been worried about.

Brooks is ready to get going with his new team. There's a new villain in town — good news for the Suns, but not-so-good news for everyone else.