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Mat Ishbia Defends Dillon Brooks: Suns Owner Rules Out Trade

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 18:22 GMT by Jerry

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Mat Ishbia Doubles Down: Phoenix Suns Owner Shuts Down Dillon Brooks Trade Talk

The Phoenix Suns’ tumultuous offseason continues to be dominated by conversations surrounding guard Dillon Brooks, a player whose arrival was met with immediate backlash from fans. However, any hope of seeing him moved before the start of the 2023-24 season appears to have been extinguished after owner Mat Ishbia emphatically declared he will not trade Brooks. The statement, delivered during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, signals a surprising and potentially controversial commitment from Ishbia to his team’s controversial acquisition.

The saga began with the Suns acquiring Brooks in a three-team trade involving the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks, known for his defensive tenacity but also for his outspokenness and occasional on-court antics (including a recent suspension for comments directed at Ja Morant), was seen by many as an unnecessary addition to a team already facing significant challenges after Kevin Durant’s arrival and subsequent playoff disappointments. The trade itself felt like a misstep, especially given the Suns' limited flexibility under the NBA's salary cap. As ClutchPoints details, the move was initially perceived as a gamble on Brooks' defensive capabilities to bolster a squad needing more grit and toughness.

However, the negative reaction from Phoenix fans has been palpable. Online petitions calling for his departure circulated widely, and social media platforms have been flooded with criticism. The perception that Ishbia overpaid for Brooks – sending valuable draft capital in the deal – further fueled the discontent. The Rockets received two second-round picks and a swap right as part of the trade, a price point many considered steep considering Brooks' performance and potential locker room impact. (You can read more about the details of the trade here: [ https://www.nba.com/news/trade-tracker ]).

Ishbia’s declaration, therefore, comes as a significant surprise. He wasn't just dismissive; he was definitive. “I’m not trading Dillon Brooks,” Ishbia stated directly. He further elaborated that the team believes in Brooks and his ability to contribute positively to the Suns’ success. This isn't merely about basketball talent, but also about setting a precedent for how the organization handles player acquisitions and public perception.

The owner’s strong stance likely stems from several factors beyond just believing in Brooks’ on-court abilities. Firstly, trading him now would represent an admission of error so early into the season, potentially damaging Ishbia's credibility with fans and within the franchise. It would send a message that the front office is easily swayed by public opinion, which could make future roster decisions even more challenging.

Secondly, there’s the financial aspect. As ClutchPoints points out, moving Brooks requires finding a team willing to absorb his contract – a significant hurdle given his salary and recent suspension. The Suns are already operating under tight cap constraints; taking back assets in a trade that would alleviate space is difficult. Trading him now would also likely diminish the return, making it even less worthwhile.

Finally, Ishbia's comments suggest he believes Brooks can learn from his past mistakes and become a valuable asset for the team. He emphasized the importance of accountability and growth within the organization. This aligns with a broader narrative that the Suns are attempting to cultivate a culture of resilience and learning from setbacks. The suspension itself served as a clear message about acceptable behavior, and Ishbia's public support suggests he expects Brooks to adhere to those expectations moving forward.

While Ishbia’s unwavering commitment to Brooks might appease some within the organization, it is unlikely to quell the widespread fan frustration. The pressure on Brooks to perform exceptionally well and demonstrate significant improvements in his demeanor will be immense. His performance this season will be heavily scrutinized, and any further missteps could reignite calls for a trade or even lead to more severe consequences.

Looking ahead, the Suns’ success hinges not only on the play of their star players like Durant and Devin Booker but also on Brooks' ability to integrate into the team and contribute positively both on and off the court. Ishbia's public endorsement offers Brooks a clean slate and an opportunity to prove his worth. However, it also places a considerable burden on him to deliver – not just as a player, but as a symbol of the Suns’ commitment to sticking with their decisions, even when faced with criticism. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Ishbia's bold stance proves to be a stroke of genius or a costly mistake.

The article from ClutchPoints can be found here: [ https://clutchpoints.com/nba/phoenix-suns/suns-news-mat-ishbia-completely-shuts-door-dillon-brooks-trade ]