Dillon Brooks was in the middle of a spa day when he got the news that would reshape his NBA future. The deal, which sent Brooks from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns as part of the Kevin Durant trade, marked a major shift for both teams. Brooks spoke to The Athletic’s Esfandiar Baraheni about how he found out and what it means for his next chapter.
Dillon Brooks Shares His Trade Reaction and Immediate Mindset
“I was at a spa… having a peaceful time and found out. The trade happened and I was happy about it, being in a place that I’m familiar with, another young team that is trying to get back to the playoffs, and that’s why they traded for me. … Excited to be part of a young and hungry team,” said Brooks.
Full interview with Dillon Brooks here 👇🏼
Btw if you’re like me and have always wondered what the “W” and “P” tattoos on his shoulders stand for… I found out! pic.twitter.com/68HrFf7JkZ
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) July 5, 2025
Brooks, who spent the last season with Houston, heads to Phoenix at a time when the Suns are reshaping their roster and priorities under new general manager Brian Gregory. Gregory, who took over in May, has been vocal about creating alignment throughout the franchise. His recent moves have focused on adding youth and defensive intensity, with Brooks and Jalen Green arriving in exchange for Durant.
The Suns now boast a roster anchored by Devin Booker and a pair of young seven-footers in Khaman Maluach and Mark Williams. Both players bring size and upside, something Phoenix has lacked in recent years. The acquisition of Brooks signals a renewed focus on defense and identity, areas the team wants to shore up after last season’s disappointing finish.
Why Phoenix Made the Deal and What Comes Next for Brooks
Phoenix’s decision to move on from Durant closed the door on an era that saw the Suns mortgage future assets in pursuit of a title. With that run falling short, the front office pivoted, landing a lottery pick used to draft Maluach and bringing in players like Brooks who can contribute on both ends.
General manager Brian Gregory’s tenure so far has been graded as a B, via SBN, by most Suns fans and media, given the focus on young talent and organizational stability. If Gregory can move Bradley Beal’s contract without hurting the franchise’s long-term flexibility, that grade could climb higher.
SBN Reacts: So far so good for Brian Gregory per Suns fans
(by @HoldenSherman1)https://t.co/ira1Gbfp1F
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) July 5, 2025
For Brooks, the move to Phoenix comes with the expectation of being a defensive anchor and a leader for a group aiming to return to the playoffs. His reputation for bringing grit and physicality makes him a key addition as the Suns look to redefine themselves.
As for Houston, the trade represents a shift toward acquiring established star talent. Shipping out Jalen Green and Brooks for Durant shows the Rockets are betting big on their new core and are willing to move on from youth for proven names.