Grading Dillon Brooks' Three-Year Contract Extension With Suns

The Phoenix Suns haven't been afraid to make bold moves in the three-plus years of being controlled by Mat Ishbia - this has never changed in this time period. 

It didn't change on Wednesday either, when the franchise agreed to a three-year extension with star forward Dillon Brooks - officially locking in the 2017 second-round selection through the conclusion of the 2029-30 season. 

The culmination of an expected deal is a three-year, $73 million cash-out for Brooks, which seems to be favorable for both sides. 

Explore the process behind reaching an ultimate grade below.

Suns, Brooks Benefit From Extension

The simple truth right off of the bat is that Phoenix likely gained more short-term flexibility with an agreement that averages at just over $24 million per season. The speculation over the summer was that Brooks could command upwards of $100 million over the life of his contract - which would have averaged out to $25 million or more per season. 

While this is only a slight discount on paper, it makes a world of difference for an organization that had to duck the second apron during the 2025-26 season, and one that is due to pay Devin Booker over $68 million in the 2029-30 campaign. 

As for Brooks, he is able to secure a guaranteed figure that surpasses any other per-year number that he has been paid on previously agreed upon contracts. He is also able to become a free agent or potentially agree to another extension at 34 - which would be his last big payday on paper.

This makes the deal a win-win on the surface - for now.

Brooks Remains Strong Cultural Fit

Brooks carries a mentality that is different from virtually everyone in the current NBA - for better or worse. 

While figures such as 20 technical fouls in a season can certainly be seen as a detriment, there is a physical and mental edge that Brooks brings that intangibly rallies the locker room together. He truly aided in shifting the culture from within the organization, as the Suns transformed from one of the worst defenses into a well above average one almost overnight.

The 6'7" forward has also evolved greatly as a shotmaker, becoming one of the most underrated bucket-getters in the NBA over the last year. He is likely playing at a discount when evaluating what he does tangibly and intangibly. 

Jordan Ott is going to continue to reap the benefits that the hard-nosed Brooks provides for years to come.

Grade: A-

While this isn't a perfect deal due to the NBA's restrictive apron system, it's likely the best deal that Phoenix could have completed. Letting go of Brooks was a non-starter - locking him into a contract either allows for him to provide value to the organization for several more seasons, or sets the stage for him to become a major piece in another seismic trade down the line.