Dillon Brooks never wanted to leave Houston. After two successful seasons with the Rockets, the veteran forward had found his footing, his voice, and his role as a culture-setter on a young team desperate for edge and accountability. Still, when the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade came together, Brooks “Understands” why his name had to be included as he was shipped out of Houston Texas. Sometimes the business side of basketball wins, even when the vibes are good.
According to Rockets Wire, from an asset and financial standpoint, it was nearly impossible for Houston, Texas, to keep Dillon Brooks out of the deal. That does not make it hurt any less, but it does help explain it. And so far, the results have been a win-win. Brooks has also recently opened up about the deal with no hard feelings being harbored. “When you got a guy like Kevin Durant, you can’t pass up,” Dillon said according to the source. The Rockets landed a perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer as their leading scorer, while Brooks landed in Phoenix and immediately became a key part of something unexpectedly special.
Let’s start with Houston. The turnaround during Brooks’ two seasons there was nothing short of dramatic. The Rockets went from a brutal 22-60 record, last place in the NBA’s Western Conference, to a sparkling 52-30 finish and the No. 2 seed in the West. That kind of leap does not happen by accident. Brooks’ intensity, defense, and unapologetic confidence helped set a new tone. His impact went beyond the box score, and his teammates noticed.
Texas Has A Lot Of Love For NBA Guard Dillon Brooks
“He helped change the culture over here,” Rockets guard Amen Thompson told the source. “I feel like Houston loves him. They embrace him and that’s my guy. That’s like a big brother to me.”
That quote says a lot. In a league where young players often cycle through vets without forming real bonds, Brooks clearly meant something to that locker room. He was not just a hired gun. He was family, a mentor, and a daily example of how hard you are supposed to play.
Now fast forward to Phoenix, where Dillon Brooks has quietly been thriving. As a key starter for the Suns after arriving from Texas, he is putting together the best offensive season of his career. He is averaging a career-high 21.3 points per game while shooting 45.7% from the field, 34.6% from three, and 84.4% at the free throw line. Those are not empty numbers either. They are translating to wins.
The Suns sit at 24-16 and have exceeded all expectations. Dillon Brooks remains a strong defender and a valued leader, helping set the tone for clear defensive improvement. In a city and franchise that has been searching for toughness and identity, his edge fits right in. He is not trying to be the loudest star. He is just being Dillon Brooks, and that has been enough.
Dillon Brooks Is A NBA Cultural Changer
There is also something poetic about where both teams stand now. The Rockets are 23-14. The Suns are 24-16. Both are comfortably ahead of the 17-22 Grizzlies, a subtle reminder of how much situations can change in the NBA. Meanwhile, Houston has its new leading scorer, and Phoenix has a culture reset of its own.
The only awkward part has been the head-to-head matchups. Dillon Brooks and the Suns are 0-3 against one of the best teams in Texas this season. Still, those games have featured clear moments of mutual respect. No bitterness. No drama. Just competitive basketball between two teams that both benefited from the same deal.
In the end, Dillon Brooks did not want to be traded, but he gets it. Texas had to make a move that made sense for their future, and the Suns gave him a platform to expand his game and leadership. Not every trade leaves both sides smiling, but this one feels close. Sometimes understanding is the real victory, even when the jersey changes.
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