Cooper Flagg Will Leave the Dallas Mavericks Next Summer for the Boston Celtics: ‘This Is My Next Destination and My Dream,’ Says Flagg.

Cooper Flagg Will Leave the Dallas Mavericks Next Summer for the Boston Celtics: ‘This Is My Next Destination and My Dream,’ Says Flagg.

 

 

 

In a move that’s already sending shockwaves across the NBA, rising star Cooper Flagg has officially announced his intention to leave the Dallas Mavericks at the end of the current season and join the Boston Celtics. The 2025 offseason just got a lot more interesting.

The 19-year-old forward, hailed as one of the brightest young talents in the league, confirmed his decision in a heartfelt interview earlier this week. “This is my next destination and my dream,” Flagg said. “Boston is where I’ve always imagined playing. It’s not just about basketball — it’s about legacy, history, and family.”

Flagg, a Maine native, has deep roots in New England. Growing up just a few hours from Boston, he often spoke in past interviews about watching Celtics games as a child and idolizing players like Paul Pierce and Jayson Tatum. The emotional pull of returning home seems to have played a major role in his decision.

Drafted by the Mavericks with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Flagg quickly made a name for himself with his high basketball IQ, elite defensive instincts, and explosive athleticism. In his rookie season, he averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, helping Dallas secure a playoff spot and earning All-Rookie First Team honors.

The Mavericks, who had high hopes for building around Flagg for the future, are understandably disappointed. “We believed Cooper was going to be a cornerstone of this franchise,” said Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. “He’s an incredible talent and a great person, and while we respect his decision, it definitely stings.”

Flagg’s upcoming move to Boston is already generating speculation about what the Celtics roster could look like next season. With a core that includes Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the addition of Flagg could push the Celtics back into championship contention for years to come.

Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens hasn’t officially commented on the situation yet, but sources close to the organization say Boston has been quietly preparing for this opportunity for months. “There’s no question they see Flagg as a franchise-changing piece,” one NBA insider said. “Pairing him with Tatum could be a nightmare for the rest of the league.”

While fans in Dallas are understandably frustrated by the news, Boston fans are already celebrating the homecoming of a local hero. Social media exploded with reactions following Flagg’s announcement, with #FlaggToBoston trending on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes.

Flagg says he intends to finish the season strong with Dallas before making the transition. “I’m grateful to the Mavericks for giving me my start. I’ve learned a lot here, and I’ll always appreciate my time in Dallas. But Boston is calling, and I’m ready.”

If his rookie year is any indication, Cooper Flagg’s move to the Celtics might just be the beginning of a new era — not only for Boston but for the league as a whole.