The Dallas Mavericks have officially signed Cooper Flag, the No. 1 draft pick, to a four-year rookie contract. While the team didn’t release specific details at the announcement on Wednesday, Spotlack reports that the total value for top picks under the 2025-26 rookie salary scale is about $62.7 million, with the first-year salary near $13.8 million, subject to minor variations. The contract includes team options for the third and fourth years.
Flag recently shared at a news conference that he intends to compete in the Summer League in Las Vegas later this month, with the Mavericks’ opening game against the Los Angeles Lakers and Bronnie James broadcasting nationwide on July 10th. Flag was selected after Dallas had a 1.8% chance of winning the draft lottery and is notable for being the fourth freshman in the last 64 years to receive the Associated Press National Player of the Year award. The 18-year-old Duke standout led his team to the Final Four during his one college season.
Standing 6-foot-9, Flag will play frontcourt alongside 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis and promising young center Derek Lively II, also a Duke alumnus. The Mavericks made headlines by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers earlier this year. Another former Duke player on the Mavericks, guard Kyrie Irving, who was the first pick in the 2011 draft, is expected to be sidelined until midseason as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in March.
(Fan Take) Cooper Flag’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the Mavericks and the NBA, signaling a potential shift in team dynamics and star power. Basketball fans should watch closely, as Flag’s success could elevate the game and inspire a new generation of athletes.
