Has there been any NBA prospect as highly rated as Cooper Flagg? Well, just two years back, Victor Wembanyama arrived in the league with lofty expectations and dominated the proceedings. Similarly, Flagg’s potential arrival at the Dallas Mavericks will probably change the landscape of the franchise and the NBA.
Playing for the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg is the flagship player of arguably college basketball’s most prestigious team. He earns millions with his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), which is valued at around $4.8 million, and has put pen to paper with multiple brands. The question is: Can he earn more than he made at Duke?
Cooper Flagg’s Limitless Talent Fetches Big Bucks
In a recent discovery about his brand deals in college, ESPN’s long-time journalist, Howard Bryant, revealed Flagg’s massive endorsement deals. During a sit-down chat with Bob Costas, he disclosed the whopping figures, which brought up ‘oohs and aahs’ from the crowd.
“$28 million,” stated Bryant, leaving Costas and the audience stunned. Bryant continued, “He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and then a $15 million deal with Fanatics.” Those large numbers take him to the top, and he has undisclosed deals with Gatorade and Walmart. That’s how good the forward is at just 18.
Cooper Flagg made MORE money from NIL deals than he’ll make as an NBA rookie 🤯
In his lone season at Duke, Flagg signed NIL deals worth $28 million just from Fanatics and New Balance alone (per ESPN journalist Howard Bryant)
💰 Fanatics: $15 million
💰 New Balance: $13 million… pic.twitter.com/AerlAJkTKt— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 11, 2025
Everyone anticipates the Mavericks will pick the Duke forward as their No. 1 overall pick (unless they shock everyone again). Moreover, Flagg will enter the starting lineup with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving from the get-go.
According to Spotrac, the franchise will likely offer him a four-year, $62.7 million rookie contract, earning $13.8 million in his first year.
Flagg is currently earning more in college than he likely will in the NBA for the following year. If he stays with the Mavericks for three seasons, he’s expected to earn $19.1 million in his fourth. But surely, an extension will come into place if he brings the house down in the coming years.
He will unquestionably generate more wealth in the future, but is he worth all the money and hype right now?
Flagg Becomes the Next Generational Talent Heading to the NBA
With all the hype around him, fans don’t understand he’s just 18. A youngster coming into the league with pressure mounting on the Mavericks to win doesn’t paint a pretty picture. But peeking at his numbers, he could do a bit of everything.
This year, he showed his offensive skill set by scoring 19.2 points and displayed his rebounding talents by grabbing 7.5 rebounds. For a forward, those are brilliant numbers, but yes, there is a difference between the quality of the players in college and the NBA.
He can pass accurately for a forward, averaging 4.2 assists, and make defensive players after getting 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals. With a great basketball IQ and almost gliding away on the court with his fluid movement, Flagg has a seven-foot wingspan, which he could use to perfection.
Get excited, Mavericks fans, as Flagg is on his way to the NBA.