Latest news with #CooperFlagg
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cooper Flagg, Lakers News Turns Heads After Monday's Announcement
Cooper Flagg, Lakers News Turns Heads After Monday's Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks have been at the center of NBA discussions since their blockbuster trade in February 2025, which saw Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis swap teams in a historic midseason move. This unprecedented exchange of two All-NBA talents reshaped both franchises and continues to generate buzz ahead of what is set to be a busy offseason. Advertisement In the aftermath of the trade, the Mavericks, despite long odds, secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They are widely expected to select Duke's standout forward, Cooper Flagg, a prospect hailed for his versatility and potential to become a franchise cornerstone. Adding to the intrigue, the Lakers announced an exciting development ahead of draft night. Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2)Bob Donnan-Imagn Images LA's 2024-25 home preseason schedule includes a marquee matchup against the Mavericks on Oct. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This game is part of the Lakers' tradition of bringing basketball to Las Vegas, a city with a rich history of hosting NBA events. Advertisement The prospect of a preseason showdown featuring Doncic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and potentially Cooper Flagg has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans after it was pointed out by ESPN's Dave McMenamin. 'We'll see Cooper vs the Lakers very soon,' one fan wrote. "AD, Cooper, and Bron," another fan added. "Another humiliation ritual for Luka," claimed one fan. "Play the Lakers vs Mavs pre-season in front of Nico and Dumont in Las Vegas. Lol. The NBA really hates this guy. It's not enough they already gave them Cooper Flagg, they want to rub it in." "Cooper Flagg vs Bronny," a fan remarked. "Luka Doncic and LeBron James will take on Anthony Davis and likely, Cooper Flagg, before the NBA season even starts," ClutchPoints posted. Advertisement The Oct. 15 preseason game in Las Vegas promises to be a compelling early look at the new dynamics of both teams, as they prepare to contend for an NBA championship next season. Related: Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report Related: Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
9 hours ago
- Business
- Fox Sports
How much money did Cooper Flagg make in NIL during his one year at Duke?
Cooper Flagg was one of the most highly touted men's college basketball players in recent years. But as he arguably became the sport's biggest star in the early years of the name, image and likeness (NIL) era, Flagg might have also been one of the most valuable, if not the most valuable, college athletes ever. The Duke star had at least $28 million in NIL deals during his time in Durham, longtime journalist Howard Bryant shared in a conversation with Bob Costas at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. That $28 million figure is only based on Flagg's deals with New Balance and Fanatics. Flagg earned a $13 million deal with New Balance while his Fanatics deal is worth $15 million, according to Bryant. It's unclear if those figures are the annual value or the total value of Flagg's contracts with those brands. When Flagg agreed to his deal with New Balance in August 2024, ESPN reported it was for a "significant" amount. New Balance also made Flagg one of its top athletes, including him in a commercial that features Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey and Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink. As for his deal with Fanatics, Flagg signed an exclusive multi-year contract with the merchandise brand in January. The terms of that deal weren't unveiled at the time, but it included his first "rookie" card, which was part of the 2025 Bowman University Chrome set. Flagg had other NIL deals beyond his agreements with New Balance and Fanatics during the 2024-25 season. However, it's unclear how much those arrangements were worth. He became the first men's college basketball player to sign an NIL deal with Gatorade last October. He also had NIL deals with AT&T, Cort Furniture and The NIL Store, which would likely bring the total amount of money he agreed to in NIL deals north of $28 million. However, the total value of those deals greatly outnumbers the estimated worth Flagg had on an annual basis. On3 estimated that Flagg had a $4.3 million annual value for the 2024-25 season, which was second among all college athletes. He only trailed Texas quarterback Arch Manning ($6.6 million). Flagg lived up to the promise as one of the top college basketball recruits since the turn of the century during his one year at Duke. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from distance – those numbers helped Flagg win all of the major national player of the year awards. He also led Duke to the Final Four, where it lost in the national semifinal to Houston. Following his strong year at Duke, Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. The Dallas Mavericks are widely expected to make Flagg the No. 1 overall pick when the draft is held later in June. In the likely event Flagg goes No. 1, he'll make even more money from his first NBA deal than what he's reportedly made in NIL contracts so far. Flagg's rookie scale contract is projected to be a four-year deal worth $62.7 million, according to Spotrac. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! recommended Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Paul George Doesn't Hold Back About Duke's Cooper Flagg Before NBA Draft
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 2025 NBA Draft is right around the corner. While the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to begin on Thursday, the draft is coming up quickly and will be held on June 25. Duke star Cooper Flagg is ready to be the No. 1 overall pick and get his career underway. Flagg has been the projected No. 1 pick for at least a year now. He did not disappoint the hype in his freshman season with the Blue Devils. In the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, the Dallas Mavericks made the shocking leap up to the No. 1 overall pick. They had a 1.8 percent chance of doing so in the lottery, but Nico Harrison was given a major gift and stroke of luck after trading away Luka Doncic last season. Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles up court during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 4, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina. Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles up court during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 4, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina. Photo byWith the draft coming up quickly, a lot of opinions have been given about Flagg's future in the league. Most recently, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George spoke out with a strong opinion about the Duke standout. Read more: Lakers' LeBron James Set to Make Major NBA History Next Season On a recent episode of his show, "Podcast P," George did not hold back from predicting a very bright future for the young forward. "I think he's going to be an All-Star. When it's all said and done, I think he's going to go down as one of the best players our league has seen," George said. "He's got that talent." During the 2024-25 college basketball season with the Blue Devils, Flagg put together big numbers. He played in 37 games, averaging 19.2 points per game to go along with 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals. In addition, he shot 48.1 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from the three-point line. What kind of player could Flagg become at the NBA level? There have been many comparisons made for him. ESPN has shared what they think the "ceiling comp" could be for Flagg. They have that comparison listed as Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. One Western Conference scout spoke out on the potential comparison. Read more: Knicks Urged to Pursue Shocking Offseason Roster Move "[Flagg]'s really good defensively and can be a game changer on that end pretty much immediately with his size, effort and IQ," the scout said. "He's always been a very good defender and the offense is coming along. It's a very similar path to the one Kawhi was on early in his NBA career, as a guy who had all these really useful qualities, and then entered as a real two-way force as he rounded out his game." Only time will tell the future for Flagg. However, he has elite potential and George clearly believes in him. Fans won't have to wait much longer to get their first look at the Duke star. It seems likely that the Mavericks will be taking Flagg, which will put him in a great place to get off to a strong start in the NBA. For more NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Heat Select Cooper Flagg's High School Teammate in Latest Mock Draft
Heat Select Cooper Flagg's High School Teammate in Latest Mock Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Heat possess the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and selecting the right prospect could help to breathe new energy into the franchise. Advertisement Though the Jimmy Butler era came to an end at the mid-season mark by way of a blockbuster trade with the Golden State Warriors, the Heat were able to land a first-round pick in the deal. After receiving the chance to introduce a new a fresh talent into the rotation come next season, a new FOX Sports 2025 NBA Mock Draft has the Heat selecting a former high school standout forward who once shared the floor with the projected No. 1 overall pick of the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg. Former Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2).© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images "A five-star prospect who was ranked the fourth-best power forward in his high school class and 16th best player overall (247Sports), (Asa) Newell flew under the radar this year due to playing for a Georgia team that went 8-10 in SEC play." Advertisement "Still, he measured at 6'9 barefoot at the combine and averaged 15.4 points per game with 6.9 rebounds in his lone season in Athens." On the way to earning status as a projected top-20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Georgia Bulldogs' Asa Newell really began to shine on a national level when he suited up for Montverde, Florida's world-renowned Montverde Academy in high school. With the 6-foot-9 Duke University superstar Flagg as his frontcourt running mate, the pair led Montverde to a perfect 33-0 record and the 2024 Chipotle High School Nationals championship. Newell showed flashes as a solid back-to-the-basket scorer and capable ball-handler during his one-and-done season at Georgia, and the Heat may figure that he could provide a certain spark to their rotation. Advertisement Standing at 6-foot-11, the springy forward looks to be a promising two-way threat. In 33 appearances for Georgia, Newell contributed 15.4 points on an efficient 61.2% true shooting percentage, and he may end up being a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Miami's first-time All-Star, Tyler Herro. The Destin, Florida native also displayed his natural defensive instincts, swiping 1.0 steals and rejecting 1.0 blocks during his freshman campaign. Perfectly enough, he might be a suitable frontcourt sidekick for the Heat's dominant defensive big man, Bam Adebayo, for the foreseeable future. Related: Heat Projected to Draft In-State Star in Latest NBA Mock Draft Related: Dwyane Wade Fuels Fire About NBA Draft Lottery Being Rigged This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft: Would the Nets be the perfect fit for Dylan Harper?
The Brooklyn Nets have some important decisions to make before the 2025 NBA Draft comes around in June and they will have to do something with their five draft picks. Brooklyn will have four picks in the first round, including the eighth overall pick, but it's fair to wonder if a certain Rutgers player would be perfect for the Nets if the team were to select him. Brian Lewis of the New York Post recently said on X to user "Aces" that Rutgers guard Dylan Harper would be the first player taken in most drafts outside of the upcoming 2025 edition. Lewis went on to say that Harper would be "perfect" for the Nets, according to the scouts that he has talked to thus far. In the upcoming Draft, Harper seems to be the consensus second player taken after Duke forward Cooper Flagg and it makes sense given how much hype precedes Flagg. Advertisement In his latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman projected Harper to be taken by the San Antonio Spurs with the second overall pick and one would be hard-pressed to find a mock draft that doesn't have Harper off the board by the time the third overall pick comes around. As this relates to the Nets, it's important to note that there are reports suggesting that Brooklyn could attempt to move up in the Draft. However, Lewis himself reiterated that multiple people believe that it's unlikely that the Nets would be able to get the No. 2 pick. Harper, 19, is coming off a freshman season at Rutgers in which he put himself firmly in the top-3 of the Draft after averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point land. Harper put forth that kind of production while playing alongside forward Ace Bailey, who is widely projected to be taken in the top-4 of June's Draft. While it's considered unlikely that the Nets would be able to get in position to take Harper in the Draft, if Brooklyn were able to get Harper somehow, it's easy to see why he would be perfect for a Nets team that is still looking for its point guard of the future. "The positional size, strength and length are obvious selling points and advantage creators for a ball-handler that can change directions and gears as well as Harper," Wasserman wrote. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 2025 NBA Draft: Would the Nets be the perfect fit for Dylan Harper?
