Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract, explained: How much will No. 1 2025 NBA Draft pick make for the Mavericks?

Jon Conahan

Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract, explained: How much will No. 1 2025 NBA Draft pick make for the Mavericks? image

The Dallas Mavericks have selected Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, a decision that was almost guaranteed over the past few months. 

Flagg, who impressed during his freshman season at Duke, has been considered a generational draft prospect over the past few years. The Mavericks added another star to their roster, and it's time to break down what he'll earn in his rookie deal. 

Cooper Flagg's rookie contract, explained

According to Spotrac, who did a marvelous job with the 2025 NBA rookie scale contracts, the total value for the first overall pick is $62,730,226. 

Unfortunately, Flagg will have to wait a few years to secure his massive deal, but for the Mavericks, this is ideal, as they'll have someone who is expected to be one of the better players in the league on a relatively inexpensive deal, at least for a few seasons. 

Cooper Flagg's contract details

2025-26: $13,825,920 

2026-27: $14,517,480 

2027-28 (option): $15,208,680 

2028-29 (option): $19,178,146

Flagg has options in the third and fourth years of his deal, meaning he could get creative after the second year, depending on how things go.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Some suggested that he made just as much during his time in college, but NIL numbers aren't public, so it's tough to say how much he exactly made at Duke.

During his freshman season, the Newport, Maine native averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. 

He shot 48.1% from the field and an impressive 38.5% from 3-point range on 3.6 attempts per game. The hope is for Flagg to live up to his potential, and if he does, the Mavericks will have a real shot at competing at the highest level for a very long time, depending on whether they make the right decisions.

Jon Conahan

Jon Conahan is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. A 2022 Penn State University graduate who majored in journalism, he was also a member of the school's D1 baseball team. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Heavy and other outlets. Jon makes home in North Jersey, but also resides in Cape Coral, Florida, for parts of the year. He’s an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Miami Dolphins and Milwaukee Bucks.