Dillon Brooks spoke publicly for the first time about his move to the Phoenix Suns, saying he is eager to bring toughness and energy to the franchise as it seeks to reset its culture. Brooks addressed reporters at Summer League in Las Vegas after being traded from the Houston Rockets as part of the seven-team deal that sent Kevin Durant to Houston on July 6.
Brooks described his arrival in Phoenix as long overdue, referencing trade rumors from earlier in his career. “I feel like this has been written in stone since my second year,” he said. “I love Phoenix. I’ve been here over the summers, I love the people, the gym is amazing, and I can’t wait to connect with the fans.”
Known for his gritty defense and physical play, Brooks emphasized his willingness to set the tone for a team that has spoken openly about needing more toughness. “I don’t back off from anybody or anything,” he stated. “I can’t wait to bring that urgency and defensive mindset here.”
The 29-year-old also reflected on his time in Houston and Memphis, saying he values leaving his imprint on every team. “Unselfishness, relentlessness, finding a way to win — that’s what I bring,” he said. “Even when I’m not at my best, I want my teammates to pick me up and feel that energy.”
Brooks acknowledged the business side of the NBA and admitted it was slightly frustrating to leave Houston after helping the Rockets climb back into playoff contention. Still, he called Phoenix a great opportunity. “I like the challenge here,” he said. “The foundation starts with defense, and I’m excited about the guys and the chance to help build the culture.”
On the court, Brooks expects to benefit from the Suns’ spacing and principles, projecting more three-point opportunities within the offense. “It’s going to be a lot more threes, more spacing,” he noted.
For Brooks, the trade represents both a reunion with old ambitions and a new chapter in a career marked by defensive intensity and leadership. “Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve won,” he said. “I like to leave my imprint, and that comes naturally — physical, in-your-face basketball that others want to embody.”
The veteran forward enters his ninth NBA season with career averages of 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. He has appeared in 492 regular-season games and 29 playoff contests, establishing himself as one of the league’s most vocal and competitive defenders.
