History in the Making: Cooper Flagg Becomes One of NBA’s Highest-Paid Rookies with $62.7M Mavericks Deal
In a moment that will go down in NBA history, 18-year-old basketball prodigy Cooper Flagg has signed a groundbreaking rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks—a four-year deal worth a staggering $62.7 million. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is not only stepping into the league with enormous expectations, but also with one of the richest rookie contracts in league history.
Flagg’s deal starts with a first-year salary of $13.8 million, placing him among the top earners on the Mavericks’ roster right out of the gate. His contract structure follows the NBA’s rookie scale system, which permits teams to offer up to 120% of the set rookie scale amount for a No. 1 pick. Dallas, eager to secure Flagg’s services, didn’t hesitate to maximize the deal. The contract includes full guarantees for the first two years, with team options in the third and fourth years—standard for high draft picks but eye-popping due to the size of the salary.
Flagg’s rapid rise to stardom began at Duke University, where he dominated as a freshman. Known for his elite two-way play, basketball IQ, and unshakable confidence, Flagg averaged nearly 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. His performances didn’t just electrify college basketball fans—they solidified his position as the consensus No. 1 pick long before draft night.
His entry into the NBA has been met with tremendous anticipation. Standing at 6-foot-9 with guard-like skills, Flagg is seen as a franchise-altering player—a rare blend of skill, athleticism, and maturity. Comparisons to legends like Larry Bird and modern-day stars such as Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum have already begun. For the Mavericks, who are looking to reshape their identity and build toward long-term success, Flagg’s arrival could not be more timely.
But the numbers go beyond the court. With this deal, Flagg becomes one of the wealthiest teenagers in professional sports. Add to that the nearly $28 million he earned in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his time at Duke, and he is set to surpass $40 million in earnings before playing a single professional game. Analysts project that if Flagg fulfills his potential and qualifies for a supermax extension down the line, his total NBA earnings could surpass $900 million by age 31.
His off-court value is also sky-high. Endorsements, jersey sales, and social media engagement have exploded since draft night, with Mavericks ticket sales seeing a noticeable spike. Dallas now boasts one of the most exciting young rosters in the NBA—and Flagg is expected to be at the center of that movement for years to come.
In every way, Cooper Flagg’s $62.7 million contract isn’t just a number—it’s a symbol of a new era. At just 18 years old, he’s not only breaking records, he’s redefining what’s possible for the next generation of NBA stars. For Dallas and for the league, the future is here—and it’s wearing number 32.
