Dillon Brooks Sparks Optimism With Potential Return After 18-Game Absence 1 Feb 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Orlando Magic in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dillon Brooks Sparks Optimism With Potential Return After 18-Game Absence

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 2:42 AM ET

Dillon Brooks has been out of the Phoenix Suns’ lineup since Feb. 22. The star forward has dealt with a left hand fracture and has missed 18 straight games. In the 2025-26 NBA season, Brooks has been one of the most important two-way players for the Suns. He’s having one of the best campaigns of his career, averaging 20.9 points on 44.0% shooting through 50 games.

He’s averaging the second-most points for Phoenix and has been an integral piece of the team’s offense. With him on the floor, Devin Booker can rely on him to generate points for the Suns when needed. They have missed the production from the Canadian forward.

On Monday, Arizona Central’s Duane Rankin reported on X that Dillon Brooks could return on Tuesday against the Orlando Magic. It will be the Suns’ second game of a back-to-back, and his presence is needed.

Suns forward Dillon Brooks (hand) set to return tomorrow night against Orlando Magic in 2nd of back-to-back. #Suns

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 31, 2026

The Suns need him on the floor ahead of the approaching Play-In Tournament. The team could finish the 2025-26 season as the No. 7 team in the Western Conference and compete for a playoff spot in the Play-In Tournament.

Phoenix needs Brooks in the lineup for his offensive brilliance and defensive tenacity. Ahead of the Suns’ 131-105 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, head coach Jordan Ott gave an update on the star forward and the injured Mark Williams.

“There’s always a chance,” Ott said. “They’re just ready to play. We’re ready to have them.”

Dillon Brooks Linked to the Lakers as a LeBron James Replacement

With Dillon Brooks’ career-year, his value around the NBA has increased. He’s now viewed as a potential championship piece because of his offensive improvement and consistent defensive performances. With that, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed Brooks as an ideal trade piece for the Los Angeles Lakers if LeBron James leaves.

Swartz proposed that the Lakers should trade away Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero and a 2026 first-round pick.

“If LeBron James leaves the Lakers in free agency, the team will need a new starting power forward. As hilarious as it would be for Brooks to join forces with James, he’d still be a great fit as a defender and complementary scorer next to Luka Dončić,” Swartz wrote. “The 30-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career for the Suns, averaging 20.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals.”

With his strong two-way game, many believe Brooks could work well alongside Luka Doncic.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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