DALLAS, TX — July 3, 2025 — The Dallas Mavericks officially announced the signing of No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg to a four-year rookie contract worth up to $62.7 million, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise…

DALLAS, TX — July 3, 2025 — The Dallas Mavericks officially announced the signing of No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg to a four-year rookie contract worth up to $62.7 million, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise

 

The deal, structured under the NBA’s rookie scale guidelines, could make Flagg one of the highest-paid teenagers in league history.

The 18-year-old forward from Duke University is expected to earn approximately $13.8 million in his first season, with annual raises that align with the league’s salary cap projections. The contract includes two guaranteed years, followed by team options in years three and four, which is standard for top rookie contracts under the current collective bargaining agreement.

A Franchise Cornerstone

Flagg’s arrival in Dallas signals a major turning point for the Mavericks, who landed the top pick despite having just a 1.8% chance in the lottery. After trading superstar Luka Dončić earlier this year, the franchise has quickly pivoted its focus to building around Flagg, who many scouts and analysts see as a generational talent.

“Cooper is the kind of player you can build a franchise around,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said in a statement. “His maturity, work ethic, and versatility set him apart, and we’re thrilled to have him in Dallas.”

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game during his one year at Duke, helping the Blue Devils reach the Final Four. His all-around game, defensive instincts, and high basketball IQ have drawn comparisons to legends like Kevin Garnett and Scottie Pippen.

Boosting Business and Fan Excitement

Beyond his on-court potential, Flagg is already making a major impact off the court. Within 72 hours of being drafted, the Mavericks reported $8 million in new season ticket sales, along with a spike in merchandise revenue, including thousands of Flagg jerseys sold online and at team stores.

Team officials say the buzz around Flagg has also attracted new sponsorships and media attention, helping the Mavericks recover from the dip in fan engagement that followed the Dončić trade.

Summer League and Early Expectations

Flagg is set to make his Mavericks debut at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on July 10, when Dallas takes on the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie Bronny James. The matchup is already being hyped as a potential glimpse into the NBA’s next great rivalry.

With star veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the roster, Flagg will have the opportunity to learn while contributing immediately. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has hinted at using him in multiple roles, including at small forward, power forward, and even as a secondary ball-handler.

Looking Ahead

If Flagg lives up to expectations, he’ll be eligible for a massive contract extension after his rookie deal, potentially exceeding $350 million if he qualifies for supermax terms by making All-NBA teams or winning MVP awards. Factoring in endorsements and Texas’ lack of state income tax, analysts project Flagg could earn close to $1 billion over the course of his career.

For now, the Mavericks and their fans are focused on one thing: watching their No. 1 pick grow into a superstar.