In accordance with the new, higher rookie compensation structure for the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg signed a four-year rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks worth roughly $62.7 million, with roughly $28.3 million guaranteed in the first two years. He has a basic salary of about $13.8 million for the first year, team options for years three and four, and the possibility of significant extensions if he becomes eligible for supermax compensation. The first overall draft pick has agreed to a four-year rookie contract with the Mavericks. When the team announced the contract on Wednesday, they did not reveal any specifics. According to Spotrac, the top pick on the 2025–26 rookie wage scale will sign a contract worth roughly $62.7 million, with a first-year compensation of roughly $13.8 million. These figures are subject to modest variation.
Cooper Flagg’s historic rookie contract highlights NBA’s new money era and soaring expectations
Few rookies ever see the spotlight, which is where Cooper Flagg’s NBA career begins. The Duke phenom, who was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, is immediately making news for both his skill and the investment that accompanied him. The deal’s implications for the league’s future are just as important as his salary. Despite Flagg’s youth, the potential rewards and expectations are substantial.Cooper Flagg’s contract serves as an example of the profound changes occurring in the NBA today. With a projected salary cap of $154.6 million, up 10% from the previous year, Flagg, the youngest No. 1 draft pick since LeBron James, will enter a redesigned rookie wage system. His four-year contract includes team options for the third and fourth years, totaling roughly $62.7 million at the maximum 120% slot value, and guarantees for the first two years (~$28.3 million).In a recent interview with Bob Costas, seasoned sports writer Howard Bryant said that Flagg cleared more than $28 million in NIL agreements during his rookie year at Duke. A live audience gasped at the amount, which greatly exceeded On3’s initial $4.8 million assessment of Flagg’s earnings.At 51:10 in the conversation, Bryant stated:“He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and then $15 million with Fanatics.”According to reports, both agreements, which were signed on undisclosed terms, accompany Flagg into the NBA and cover one NIL year. Although it’s probable that he has previously made the stated amounts, they probably cover the entirety of his multi-year contracts. In any case, Flagg continues to be among the highest-paid athletes in collegiate athletics.In August 2024, the native of Newport, Maine, signed his NIL contract with New Balance. Before signing a deal with the Boston-based business, Flagg and his family visited with a number of brand reps who offered “north of seven figures per year,” according to Boardroom. In January 2025, fans revealed an “exclusive, multi-year” contract with the freshman that included trading cards and memorabilia.
Cooper Flagg breaks LeBron James’ long-standing record with stunning 42-point night despite Mavericks loss
Just a few days before turning 19, Cooper Flagg smashed a decades-old LeBron James record on Monday night. Even so, the Dallas Mavericks were unable to defeat the Utah Jazz. In a 140-133 overtime loss against the Jazz on Monday at the Delta Centre, Flagg scored a career-high 42 points. James’ record for the most points scored in a single NBA game by an 18-year-old was shattered by that. In the Mavericks’ 140-133 overtime loss in Utah, Flagg finished with 42 points. Although he was obviously upset that his team had blown a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter.The performance only served to highlight the fact that the native of Newport, Maine, is among the greatest youngsters to have ever played in the NBA. LeBron James’ 2003 record for the most points scored by an 18-year-old in an NBA game was surpassed by Flagg’s scoring explosion.Also read: Kelsey Plum’s net worth: Exploring the Los Angeles Sparks star’s WNBA salary, contract details, and more