Dillon Brooks has been one of the biggest stories of the season for his efforts in revamping the Phoenix Suns' culture. So much so that team owner Mat Ishbia took to X (formerly Twitter) to let everyone know that Brooks isn't being traded anywhere for anyone.
At shootaround ahead of their road matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks was asked about Ishbia's comments.
"He's been saying I'm going to be a longtime Phoenix Sun," Brooks told The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin. "I appreciate it. Keeps everything where it's supposed to be in terms of basketball. I don't even see all that type of stuff, but my boy sent it to me."
On Fan Duel’s “Run It Back” with Michelle Beadle, Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams, former star NBA center DeMarcus Cousins quibbled with the idea of the Los Angeles Lakers trading star guard Austin Reaves for Brooks.
“In a heartbeat,” Cousins said. “He’s a culture changer. He’s a proven winner… Brooks fits exactly what the Lakers need right now… Why wouldn’t you do it?”
Although his co-hosts disagreed with him vehemently, Ishbia quoted the post on X (formerly Twitter), shutting down the offer altogether.
“Don’t bother calling… Suns aren’t interested. Dillon’s not going anywhere,” the Phoenix owner said.
MORE: Suns owner shares real feelings about Dillon Brooks-Austin Reaves trade idea
Comparing Brooks, Reaves this season
Brooks and Reaves are having to varying but equally productive seasons.
The gritty Phoenix wing not only revamped the Suns’ culture single-handedly, but his increased usage is also turning in a career season. Brooks is averaging 21.4 points (career-high) and shooting 54.1% inside the arc and 34.3% beyond it.
Reaves, before going down with a calf strain that will sideline him for at least another three weeks, was having a legitimate All-Star level season, posting averages of 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists on his best efficiency as a full-time starter.
While Lakers fans and executives marvel at the prospect of a player like Brooks (and vice-versa for Phoenix and Reaves), it’s not hard to imagine that both front offices are fine just where they are.
More NBA news:
- Trade Proposal sends Nets Michael Porter Jr to Eastern Conference powerhouse
- Knicks cut ties with Jalen Brunson's 6-foot-8 teammate after less than two seasons
- Kevin Love explains why LeBron James is the 'smartest player' he ever played with
- Lakers’ JJ Redick details how he optimizes LeBron James at his old age