The New King of Dallas? Cooper Flagg Signs $62.7M Deal with Mavericks — Is the 18-Year-Old Phenom Ready to Lead the NBA’s Next Great Era?
Dallas, TX — A new era has officially begun in Dallas, and it’s wearing Mavericks blue.
Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old sensation from Maine and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has signed his rookie contract — a lucrative 4-year, $62.7 million deal that signals far more than just business as usual. With $13.8 million guaranteed in his first year, Flagg isn’t just being paid like the future — he’s being handed the keys to the franchise.
The question now echoing across the NBA: Is Cooper Flagg ready to lead Dallas into its next great chapter?
A Kingdom Without Luka — And a New Prince Arrives
The Mavericks made headlines weeks ago with their blockbuster trade that sent franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a bold, controversial move that left a void — both on the court and in the hearts of Dallas fans.
But that void didn’t last long.
With the No. 1 overall pick, Dallas selected Cooper Flagg — a generational two-way talent, known for his high basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and unshakable confidence. Many scouts have compared his ceiling to that of Jayson Tatum or Paul George, but with a defensive motor that screams Kawhi Leonard.
“We didn’t just draft a player — we drafted the foundation for the next great Mavericks era,” said Mavericks GM Nico Harrison at the team’s press conference. “Cooper Flagg is the real deal — a leader, a competitor, and someone who’s built for this moment.”
The Stats and the Hype
Standing at 6-foot-9 with elite versatility, Flagg dominated at the high school and prep levels, making waves as a defensive disruptor, transition playmaker, and efficient scorer. His combination of length, instincts, and competitive fire made him a consensus No. 1 pick — and a prospect many are already calling the league’s next potential superstar.
In pre-draft workouts, Flagg impressed not only with his physical tools but with his maturity and understanding of the game, traits that some say could fast-track his development in the NBA.
Pressure? Flagg’s Ready for It
Stepping into the shoes vacated by Luka Dončić is no small task. Luka wasn’t just Dallas’ best player — he was the face of the franchise, a global superstar, and a generational talent in his own right.
But Flagg has never shied away from pressure. In fact, he seems to embrace it.
“I know what’s expected here,” Flagg told reporters after signing his contract. “I’m not here to be Luka. I’m here to be Cooper Flagg — and to help this team win. That’s all that matters.”
A New Blueprint for the Mavericks
Flagg’s arrival isn’t happening in isolation. The Mavericks have reshaped their roster with both veterans and young talent:
✅ Anthony Davis, anchoring the frontcourt
✅ D’Angelo Russell, stabilizing the backcourt while Kyrie Irving recovers
✅ Klay Thompson, providing championship experience and shooting
✅ PJ Washington, adding versatility
✅ And now, Cooper Flagg — the crown jewel of the rebuild
It’s an unconventional mix of youth and experience, but one the Mavericks hope can fast-track their return to contention.
Is He Ready to Lead?
The NBA has seen phenoms come and go, but few arrive with the expectations and opportunity that now sit squarely on Flagg’s shoulders. At 18, leading an NBA franchise is an enormous task — but those close to him believe he’s ready.
“This kid’s built different,” one NBA scout told The Athletic. “He’s not scared of the moment, and his defensive mindset gives him a floor most rookies don’t have. Give him time — Dallas might’ve found their next superstar.”
