PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns made their decision on Wednesday, and it’s a risky one. The franchise signed Dillon Brooks to a three-year, $73 million extension, making him the fourth key piece of last year’s squad to sign a long-term deal. Teammates include Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams. In total, $171 million invested in those players, and Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Miles Bridges aren’t even taken into account.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix is fully investing in this core that just got swept in the first round. Devil’s advocate says that injury derailed the second half of its season, while logic states it was always going to go this way. Is the Brooks extension the cherry on top of a great offseason or the final speck of snow to start an avalanche?
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) looks at the scoreboard after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The money problem for Phoenix:
The Suns are around $6 million away from the second apron, and the Brooks essentially guarantees it’ll remain that close for the next three seasons. Owner Mat Ishbia seemingly doesn’t care about the increasing tax bill. However, getting bounced in the first round will leave a mark on Ishbia’s pride. Trading for Bridges and drafting Koa Peat in the first round has Ishbia and the front office confident in 2026-2027.
That optimism could be fool’s gold, especially with a salary table that is the seventh-highest in the NBA. Bradley Beal’s $20 million in dead money won’t help in cutting cost, staying the duration of Brooks’ extension until 2029-2030.
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) pulls back Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The deals itself make complete sense from the monetary value to on-court value ratio. Only four players are making above the NBA average salary for next season on a roster that just made the playoffs. Despite the low ceiling of this team, Phoenix being able to compete every night and give the fans a show seems to be the goal right now, and not to contend.
The strategy is likely retain the players on the roster, given the lack of cap flexibility, and wait out Beal’s dead money. The Suns can’t tank anyways, not controlling their own first-round pick until the frozen 2032 one. If Phoenix wants to unfreeze that pick to trade or use, it’ll need to remain outside of the second apron for two of the three next seasons. A challenge that is more and more difficult with the money invested in this core.
Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) celebrates with teammates Devin Booker (1) and Jordan Goodwin (23) against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It would be harsh to criticize the front office for the work its done given the condition of the team just a year ago. But, doubling down moneywise after an early playoff exit doesn’t generate confidence. Trades could happen to change this fact, but Phoenix looks to be accepting their reality of being a middling team in the Western Conference.
Dillon Brooks strikes three-year extension with Suns for $73 million
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
