DILLON BROOKS POSTS LOCKER ROOM MESSAGE AFTER DURANT EXCHANGE

Phoenix Suns player Dillon Brooks posted an Instagram message thanking owner Mat Ishbia for addressing what Brooks called a locker room stench before his arrival. Brooks shared a photograph of himself in a Suns jersey and added a hashtag about culture. The post followed a public exchange between Ishbia and Kevin Durant about Durant’s time with the Suns. Brooks did not name Durant in his message.

Speaking about his approach after buying the Suns, Ishbia said, “I kind of just threw money at the problem.” He said bringing in talented players such as Durant did not necessarily lead to championships. Durant responded on X with a post challenging Ishbia’s account of his contribution to the team. Durant also said the Suns had been a .500 team with internal problems before he arrived. Ishbia later said he had not blamed Durant.

Durant joined Phoenix in February 2023, shortly after Ishbia took control of the franchise. The trade sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder away from the Suns, along with multiple first-round picks and a pick swap. Durant played alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but injuries disrupted the trio’s time together. Brooks joined Phoenix in July 2025 through a seven-team trade that sent Durant to the Houston Rockets. The Suns and Rockets are due to meet in November.