The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA’s juggernauts, a young, deep, and supremely talented roster headlined by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, elite two-way star Jalen Williams, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Chet Holmgren.
After a title run, OKC now enters the offseason looking to build a dynasty that lasts for years. And a controversial trade idea might give them just that, in the form of Dillon Brooks, perhaps the NBA’s most hated player.
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Dillon Brooks
Phoenix Suns Receive: Isiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, 2026 Oklahoma City Thunder first-round pick, 2026 Philadelphia 76ers second-round pick
The Thunder could acquire Brooks from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Isiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, a 2026 Thunder first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick via the 76ers. It’s a bold swing, one that would send shockwaves through both franchises, and potentially change the landscape of the Western Conference.
Brooks, 28, averaged 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season while shooting 41.9% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. Though often polarizing, Brooks is widely respected for his tenacity and perimeter defense.
He played a key role for the Houston Rockets and joined the Suns in the blockbuster Kevin Durant deal. Brooks is currently on year three of a four-year, $86 million deal and is owed $21.1 million for the 2025–26 season.
While his outspoken personality and on-court antics have made him a villain in many NBA cities, his defensive presence is undeniable.
What makes this potential deal even more intriguing is the chemistry factor. Shai and Brooks are national teammates for Team Canada. Their familiarity and shared identity could make the transition smoother, with Brooks likely to embrace a defined defensive role alongside SGA’s offensive brilliance.
And defensively? Oklahoma City is already miles ahead of the competition. The Thunder led the league in defensive rating last season, holding teams to just 107.5 points per 100 possessions.
Adding Brooks, an elite perimeter stopper, to a system that already includes Chet Holmgren’s rim protection, Lu Dort’s physicality, Alex Caruso’s grit, and Shai’s improved two-way play could elevate this defense to historically great levels.
On the flip side, Phoenix gains two valuable rotation players and draft compensation. Isiah Joe has become one of the league’s most efficient floor spacers, averaging 10.2 points on 44.0% shooting and an elite 41.2% from deep. His ability to stretch defenses complements any star-laden roster. Joe still has two years left on a team-friendly four-year, $48 million deal.
Kenrich Williams is another underrated glue guy. He averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 38.6% from three and 48.3% overall. He brings veteran stability and positional flexibility, something Phoenix sorely lacked this past postseason. Williams has two years remaining on his four-year, $27.1 million deal.
For the Suns, moving Brooks could clear up wing redundancy while netting them shooting, depth, and future assets. For the Thunder, this would be a move signaling that they’re done playing nice, ready to embrace a win-now mindset with a mean streak.
It’s a risky proposition. Brooks comes with a reputation and a hefty salary. But if the Thunder want to take the next step from champions to a dynasty, they may need a player exactly like him: tough, tested, and fearless. Even if he’s hated, he might be just what Oklahoma City needs.
