**Cooper Flagg’s NBA Draft Adventure: A Slam Dunk for the Dallas Mavericks**
The 2025 NBA Draft was the place to be, and it kicked off with a bang when Cooper Flagg, a rising star from Newport, Maine, was announced as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the grand announcement, Flagg stepped onto the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, radiating a cool confidence that made it clear he was ready for this moment. With years of hype behind him, it was no surprise that he was selected first, making fans and scouts alike buzz with excitement.
Cooper Flagg is not just any player; he clinched the Naismith National Player of the Year award during his freshman year at Duke University. He was instrumental in leading the Blue Devils to an ACC championship and a trip to the Final Four. All of this astonishing talent has had scouts practically hyperventilating while trying to predict his future in the NBA. Now, with a guaranteed, jaw-dropping $60 million over the first four years of his rookie contract, Flagg is positioned for success beyond just basketball.
Flagg’s first year in the league comes with an expected salary of nearly $14 million, not too far off from the average salary of other NBA players. This first pick not only earns more than the set rookie salary slot of about $12.9 million but also showcases how much the world of NBA contracts has evolved. For reference, previous top draft picks like Victor Wembanyama and Zachary Risach cashed in quite a bit in their rookie seasons with salaries around $12.2 million and $12.6 million, respectively. Times have certainly changed since the days when rookie salaries were more restricted.
Since the NBA introduced a pay scale for rookies in 1995, things have gotten significantly better for fresh faces in the league. Back then, big contracts were reserved for only the highest-profile picks, but now rising stars can expect hefty multi-million dollar contracts. The NBA salary cap is expected to soar to $154.6 million for the 2025-26 season, which means Flagg’s projected earnings could climb even higher. With salary increases built into rookie contracts, and having only one year at Duke under his belt, the sky is truly the limit for him.
Beyond just the court, Flagg is also cashing in off the hardwood. He has managed to secure endorsement deals with big names like New Balance, Fanatics, and Gatorade, which means he will not only be earning on the court but can expect millions more coming his way off it. He is not alone, as fellow first-round picks like Dylan Harper and BJ Edgecom are also looking at some significant earnings. By the end of their contracts, they could see figures like $56.1 million and $50 million, respectively, if they deliver on their potential.
All in all, Cooper Flagg’s draft night marks an exciting new chapter not just for him but for NBA fans everywhere. With his talent, confidence, and the right support behind him, it seems that all eyes will be on Dallas to see what this young star will bring to the court. For sports enthusiasts, there’s no better time to sit back and enjoy the show—because Flagg’s story is just getting started!
