What Happened to Dillon Brooks?
Dillon Brooks is a Canadian professional basketball player known for his tenacious defense, controversial on-court antics, and outspoken personality. After six seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors, he had a two-year stint with the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in July 2025, where he is currently having a career-best season in 2025-26.
Quick Answer
Dillon Brooks is currently a small forward for the Phoenix Suns, having joined the team in July 2025 as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. He is experiencing a career-best season in 2025-26, averaging over 20 points per game, and has publicly expressed his desire to retire as a Sun. Despite his offensive surge, he continues to maintain his reputation as a polarizing defensive player, frequently accumulating technical fouls.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Houston Rockets, Traded to Memphis Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks was selected 45th overall in the NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
NBA Debut with Grizzlies
Brooks scored 19 points in his NBA debut, setting a record for the most points by a Canadian-born player in an NBA debut.
Signed Contract Extension with Grizzlies
Brooks signed a three-year, $35 million contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ejected for Punching Donovan Mitchell
Brooks was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected for punching Cleveland Cavaliers player Donovan Mitchell in the groin, leading to a one-game suspension.
Fined for Shoving Cameraman
Brooks was fined $35,000 by the NBA for shoving a cameraman to the floor during a game against the Miami Heat.
Ejected for Hitting LeBron James, Controversial Comments
During the NBA Playoffs, Brooks was ejected for hitting LeBron James in the groin and made controversial comments calling James "old."
Named All-Defensive Second Team; Grizzlies Announce No Re-sign
Brooks was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Reports emerged that the Memphis Grizzlies would not re-sign him.
Signed with Houston Rockets
Brooks was acquired by the Houston Rockets in a sign-and-trade agreement, signing a four-year, $86 million contract.
FIBA World Cup Best Defensive Player
Brooks was named the FIBA World Cup Best Defensive Player, helping the Canada national team win a bronze medal.
Traded to Phoenix Suns
Brooks, along with Jalen Green, was traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets.
Career-High 40 Points with Suns
Brooks scored a career-high 40 points in a 114-96 win over the Detroit Pistons.
Suspended for 16th Technical Foul
Brooks was suspended for one game without pay for receiving his 16th technical foul of the 2025-2026 season.
Returns from Hand Injury
Brooks returned to play for the Suns after missing 18 games due to a fractured left hand.
Picks Up 18th Technical Foul
Brooks received his 18th technical foul of the 2025-26 season during a game against the Chicago Bulls, potentially facing another suspension.
18th Technical Foul Rescinded; Expresses Desire to Retire a Sun
The NBA rescinded Brooks' 18th technical foul, lifting his impending suspension. He also publicly stated his desire to retire as a Phoenix Sun.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Dillon Brooks began his NBA journey after being drafted 45th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2017 NBA draft and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He quickly established himself as a key defensive presence and a capable scorer for the Grizzlies, signing a three-year, $35 million extension in February 2020. His tenure in Memphis was marked by consistent defensive effort, culminating in an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2023.
However, Brooks also developed a controversial reputation for his aggressive play, frequent technical fouls, and outspoken trash talk. Notable incidents included punching Donovan Mitchell in the groin in February 2023, shoving a cameraman in March 2023, and engaging in a highly publicized verbal feud with LeBron James during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, which included hitting James below the belt and calling him "old." These actions, coupled with his refusal to speak to media after playoff losses, led the Grizzlies to reportedly decide against re-signing him.
In July 2023, Brooks signed a four-year, $86 million contract with the Houston Rockets as part of a sign-and-trade agreement. With the Rockets, he embraced a more efficient offensive role, improving his three-point shooting and overall shot selection, while maintaining his defensive intensity. He also earned the FIBA World Cup Best Defensive Player award in 2023, helping Canada secure a bronze medal.
Brooks' time in Houston concluded in July 2025 when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, alongside Jalen Green, in a significant seven-team deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets. In the 2025-26 season, Brooks has experienced a resurgence, averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game and showcasing improved offensive versatility. He scored a career-high 40 points against the Detroit Pistons in January 2026.
Despite his career-best performance, Brooks' propensity for technical fouls has persisted. He was suspended in February 2026 for accumulating his 16th technical foul of the season and faced another potential suspension in April 2026 after receiving his 18th. However, the NBA rescinded the 18th technical foul, allowing him to play. Brooks has openly embraced his role with the Suns, stating in April 2026 that he has found his home in Phoenix and wishes to retire with the team, aiming to set the culture for the next two decades.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Dillon Brooks made different choices?