How Much Money Will Cooper Flagg Lose If He Foregoes the NBA Draft?
Cooper Flagg, the highly touted basketball prodigy, is one of the most anticipated prospects in recent years, drawing comparisons to future NBA stars. With his incredible skill set, versatility, and basketball IQ, Flagg has garnered the attention of NBA teams, analysts, and fans alike. However, the 2024 NBA Draft could take a different turn for Flagg if he decides to forgo the draft and instead play another year in college or pursue other opportunities. The question on everyone’s mind: How much money will Flagg lose if he delays his NBA debut? Let’s take a closer look at the financial implications of such a decision.
The Draft Process and Financial Expectations
Typically, players entering the NBA Draft are eligible for a rookie contract, which is structured around the league’s salary cap and collective bargaining agreement. If Flagg chooses to enter the draft in 2024, he is expected to be selected in one of the top spots, with many analysts projecting him as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
The No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft enjoys the most lucrative rookie contract under the NBA’s rookie scale. In 2024, the first pick will likely be offered a four-year deal worth upwards of $50 million, with the exact figure varying depending on the NBA’s cap situation. This contract will include guaranteed money for the first few years, with additional financial incentives tied to performance and team success.
Should Flagg decide to forego the 2024 NBA Draft, he risks delaying the start of his professional career. Assuming Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick next year, each year he delays could cost him a significant portion of that potential rookie salary. If he plays another year in college or takes an alternative route, he would have to wait until the 2025 NBA Draft or later, which could push his rookie contract value down, depending on his draft position the following year.
Impact of Foregoing the 2024 Draft
The financial loss Flagg could face by waiting a year to enter the draft is substantial. Based on current projections, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft might see a slightly smaller contract due to inflation and changes in the salary cap, but it will still likely be a significant amount of money. However, the real concern is the opportunity cost. By foregoing the NBA, Flagg would miss out on an additional year of playing at the highest level, the endorsement opportunities that come with being a top pick, and the professional development that he would gain by playing against NBA-caliber competition.
Taking a step back, one can look at the financial trajectory of recent No. 1 picks. In 2023, Victor Wembanyama signed a rookie deal worth over $50 million, with his first-year salary hovering around $10 million. A similar contract would likely be available to Flagg in 2024, with the potential for future earnings boosted by endorsement deals. Waiting another year may cost Flagg millions in lost salary, endorsement deals, and marketability.
The Endorsement Factor
Beyond the rookie contract, endorsements play a significant role in the financial success of an NBA player. Flagg is already a marketable name, and as a projected top pick, he is likely to attract sponsorships from major brands, with endorsements potentially adding millions of dollars to his annual earnings. If Flagg enters the draft in 2024, he would have the opportunity to secure those endorsement deals immediately, while delaying his debut could reduce the window of opportunity for lucrative sponsorships.
The Bottom Line
While it’s difficult to predict exact figures, if Cooper Flagg chooses to forgo the 2024 NBA Draft, he could lose out on anywhere from $5 to $10 million in rookie salary alone, not including endorsements and potential bonus structures tied to his performance. The financial losses could escalate if he does not maintain the same level of performance and marketability in the years leading up to his eventual draft selection.
Ultimately, Flagg’s decision to enter the draft or wait a year will involve more than just financial considerations. It will be about finding the right balance between his development as a player and his long-term career goals. However, the financial implications of delaying his NBA career are clear—foregoing the draft will cost him millions of dollars in the short term, while possibly jeopardizing some of the future opportunities he could secure as an NBA star.
