NBA

Cooper Flagg is already cashing in like a global star—without making a single three in the NBA

Cooper Flagg debuts on the 10th—and he's already a household name

Francis Perez
July 4, 2025
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Cooper Flagg hasn’t stepped onto an NBA court yet, but he’s already dominating headlines. Taken No. 1 overall in the 2025 Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg signed a four-year deal worth $62.7 million. Even before that, he raked in nearly $28 million in NIL earnings while playing at Duke—numbers that rewrite what it means to be a college phenom. Flagg enters the NBA with a storyline that places him toe-to-toe with Victor Wembanyama—even if the battle isn’t happening between the lines just yet.

While Wemby made waves from day one in San Antonio with his out-of-this-world defense (3.6 blocks per game as a rookie), Cooper Flagg counters with a different kind of edge. In Dallas, he’ll share the court with seasoned stars like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and PJ Washington. That’s elite talent, baked-in experience, and a winning foundation from day one. Bob Myers, former GM of the Golden State Warriors, didn’t mince words: “Flagg will impact more wins than Wembanyama did in his first season.”

Comparisons rain down

Over the top? Possibly. But there’s substance behind the hype. Cooper Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his sole season at Duke, steering them all the way to the Final Four.

Cooper Flagg also brings a cerebral edge. His defensive IQ, on-court awareness, and versatility make him a compelling figure for coaches and teammates alike. He doesn’t demand the spotlight—but he earns it. And that kind of approach in a team like the Mavericks? Could be basketball gold.

Cooper Flagg also wins where it counts

On the financial scoreboard, Cooper Flagg is already ahead. Wembanyama‘s first two years banked him $55.2 million, while Flagg is locked in for $62.7 million over four. On top of that, Cooper Flagg’s deals with New Balance, Gatorade, and Walmart elevate him as one of the most commercially valuable athletes to emerge from the NIL era. If current projections hold, Cooper Flagg could top $900 million in NBA contracts before he turns 31.

Of course, it’s not just about money and marketability. Cooper Flagg must now prove he can deliver under pressure. That means fitting into a star-heavy roster and braving inevitable comparisons to Wemby, LeBron, and pretty much every other megastar that headlines ESPN.

The spotlight will be bright

July 10th marks the beginning of Cooper Flagg’s NBA journey with a debut game against the Los Angeles Lakers. And from that moment on, each matchup becomes a test. But with No. 32 stitched on his back, Cooper Flagg seems more than ready to carve out his legacy in the NBA record books.