Dillon Brooks has been a major person of interest ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline for those discussing the Los Angeles Lakers. It's understandable why. Unfortunately, this really is looking like a one-way street the closer Feb. 5 approaches.
Brooks is a hard-nosed, gritty player. The Phoenix Suns wing is a tone-setter. The intangibles brought by the veteran are exactly what the Lakers are missing from their current roster. That had discussions of his fit in Los Angeles ramping up earlier this month.
The Suns owner actually went out of his way to shut down that talk. Mat Ishbia responded to a segment on Run It Back saying a phone call on the subject of Brooks' availability would be a waste of everyone's time. That message was well-received by his player.
"He's been saying I'm going to be a longtime Phoenix Sun," Brooks told Duane Rankin at Suns practice. "I appreciate it. Keeps everything where it's supposed to be."
Suns are showing zero appetite in a Dillon Brooks trade
Brooks is enjoying one of his best years as a pro in Phoenix during the 2025-26 campaign. That would not be possible without the Suns doing their part in the process. The Canadian hooper knew that fact all too well.
Brooks said of his career year: "Three things. First thing, I worked tirelessly in the summer. Second thing is coach [Jordan Ott] believed in me. Said he was going to put the ball in my hands and make plays. Third thing is GM [Brian Gregory] trusted me to make plays as well."
Listening to the way Brooks talks about his organization does not make it sound like there is any desire on his end to leave in the immediate future. To that point, the feelings from both sides look incredibly mutual on the surface.
Some of the notable categories in which the Suns veteran is averaging career highs include: points per game, field goals attempted per game, field goal percentage, and true shooting percentage.
Brooks has played his part to perfection, and the Lakers would love to get their hands on that type of player. The 29-year-old slots in perfectly with a potential starting lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton.
Alas, similarly to the likes of Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, Brooks may be another guy who is not truly available. The Lakers' wish is unlikely to get granted here.