NBA trade propsal sends Suns’ Dillon Brooks to Cavs

The Cavaliers missed out on LeBron James. So what comes next?

Chase Brownawell of Cavs on SI offered an interesting possibility: Go get Dillon Brooks.

To be clear right from the start, there has been no indication that the Suns are shopping Brooks, nor is there any indication the Cavaliers and Suns have discussed a trade. This is strictly a hypothetical. But as hypotheticals go, you can certainly see the appeal for Cleveland.

Brooks is coming off perhaps the best season of his career, averaging 20.2 points for Phoenix while providing the same physical defense and edge that have defined his NBA career.

Brownawell suggested a framework in which the Cavs could move Dennis Schroder along with Max Strus or Sam Merrill to make the money work. Again, that’s merely an idea. Published trade proposals rarely become actual NBA trades.

The larger point may be more interesting. Brooks represents the type of player the Cavs could use.

They already have plenty of offensive firepower with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in the backcourt, along with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen up front. What the Cavs could still use is a rugged two-way wing capable of taking difficult defensive assignments and making life miserable for opposing scorers.

Brooks certainly checks that box. He also brings some of the playoff nastiness that the Cavs occasionally seem to lack. Brooks isn’t afraid of anyone, sometimes to his detriment, and his history with new LeBron is well documented. Imagine that matchup in the playoffs.

The Cavs don’t necessarily need another star after losing the LeBron sweepstakes. They need someone who complements the stars they already have.

That’s what makes Brownawell’s Brooks proposal worth discussing. Phoenix would obviously have to be willing to listen first. But it may not hurt for the Cavs to at least place a call.

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