Cooper Flagg's $62 million NBA entry sets the stage for a Dallas Mavericks era built on talent and expectations
Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg's NBA journey starts with a spotlight few rookies ever experience. Chosen first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, the Duke standout already commands headlines—not just for his talent, but for the investment that came with him.
It's not just about how much he'll earn, but what the deal says about where the league is headed. Flagg may be young, but the expectations — and the potential rewards—are anything but small.
The Dallas Mavericks made more than a pick when they locked in Cooper Flagg at No. 1
Cooper Flagg's deal showcases the significant transformations taking place in the current NBA landscape. As the youngest No. 1 draft pick since LeBron James, Flagg is entering a revamped rookie salary scale associated with a projected salary cap of $154.6 million—up 10% from last year.
His four-year contract guarantees the first two years (~$28.3 million) and has team options for the third and fourth years—totaling about $62.7 million at the maximum 120% slot value.
Rookies with high price tags aren't shocking these days, but Flagg's earning potential really stands out. If he qualifies for the supermax—by earning All-NBA honors, getting MVP votes, or winning a DPOY award—he could secure two extensions totaling $359 million (2029–2034) and $509 million (2034–2039), potentially bringing his career NBA earnings to an astonishing $930 million by age 31.
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Flagg isn't the only one raking in the cash from Brooklyn. The San Antonio Spurs chose Dylan Harper at No. 2, locking in a four-year rookie contract worth $56.14 million—already outpacing his father Ron Harper's total NBA earnings of around $36 million after just one season. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers selected VJ Edgecombe at No. 3, with a projected four-year deal of $50.44 million. Rookie contracts get smaller with each pick—but even the 30th pick, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, will still earn close to $14.1 million over four years.
This new wave of rookie salaries goes back to the way the collective bargaining agreement ties pay to the salary cap, which is set up to provide 80–120% of the slot value—resulting in these contracts becoming more profitable each year as league revenues increase.
Off the hardwood, Flagg is already catching a financial wave. He reportedly raked in $28 million from NIL deals during his single season at Duke—including $13 million from New Balance and $15 million from Fanatics.
As the NBA's media revenues soar—with an 11-year, $76 billion broadcasting deal secured—the route to massive endorsements and basketball growth appears bright. With his rookie contract, front-loaded deals, and potential supermax extensions in the future, Flagg is definitely on track to surpass $1 billion in earnings, both on and off the court.
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Luka Doncic's offseason transformation could change everything for the Los Angeles Lakers after his bold trade move
Cooper Flagg's entry into Dallas might just kick off a new era for the franchise—one that comes with high hopes and financial might. With his rookie contract featuring guaranteed money, optional extensions, and growing cap flexibility, he's positioned as a truly exceptional once-in-a-generation player.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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