Cooper Flagg Signs With Dallas Mavericks: What NBA Draft’s No. 1 Pick Is Projected To Earn As Summer League Begins

The long-anticipated journey from high school prodigy to NBA star officially begins for Cooper Flagg, as the Dallas Mavericks announced the signing of the No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, widely regarded as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, will make his professional debut as the NBA Summer League tips off in Las Vegas.

The signing itself was never in question. The Mavericks, fresh off a deep playoff run, had been sitting on the top pick thanks to a blockbuster trade last season that sent shockwaves across the league. When they used that selection to draft Cooper Flagg, they weren’t just adding a player — they were adding the future face of their franchise.

And with that selection comes enormous expectations — both on the court and financially.

According to the NBA’s rookie salary scale, which dictates the earnings for first-round selections based on draft position, Flagg is projected to make approximately $11.6 million in his rookie season, with a four-year deal worth roughly $55.5 million, provided he receives the maximum allowable 120% of the rookie scale — which, for a player of his stature, is a virtual certainty.

Here’s how that breaks down:

• Year 1: Estimated $11.6 million

• Year 2: Estimated $12.1 million

• Year 3: Estimated $12.7 million

• Year 4 (Team Option): Estimated $13.2 million

Beyond that, Flagg becomes eligible for a substantial contract extension following his third season — assuming he meets performance benchmarks, which many around the league believe is inevitable given his generational potential.

But those are just the base numbers. The true earning potential for Cooper Flagg stretches far beyond the confines of his rookie deal. His marketability is already through the roof, with analysts projecting that his endorsement earnings could easily exceed his NBA salary within his first two seasons.

Major apparel brands, including Nike, Adidas, and Puma, were reportedly locked in a bidding war for Flagg’s signature long before the draft took place. Sources suggest that Flagg has agreed to a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, though financial terms have not been officially disclosed. Some insiders estimate the deal could be worth as much as $20 million annually, vaulting him into the upper echelon of off-court earners before he even plays an NBA regular season game.

That level of hype is rare, but not unprecedented. LeBron James, Zion Williamson, and Victor Wembanyama entered the league with similar financial expectations — and in some ways, Flagg’s arrival in Dallas mirrors those iconic debuts.

The 6-foot-9 forward out of Maine has been the focal point of basketball conversation since his days at Montverde Academy, where he led his team to back-to-back national titles and dominated elite high school competition with ease. His performances in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit only fueled the narrative that he’s not just another top prospect — he’s potentially a transformative figure for the Mavericks and the NBA as a whole.

Summer League provides the first glimpse of how Flagg’s game translates to the professional stage. Dallas fans have already sold out the team’s opening Summer League matchup, eager to witness the beginning of what they hope will be a new era of Mavericks basketball.

It’s not just Mavericks fans paying attention. Scouts, executives, and basketball enthusiasts across the world will be dissecting every dribble, shot, and defensive possession. For Flagg, the pressure is immense, but so are the rewards.

The Mavericks’ decision to pair him with superstar Luka Dončić was met with universal acclaim. Dončić, still only 26, has already established himself as one of the game’s most dominant offensive forces. Now, with Flagg joining the fold, Dallas has arguably the most promising young duo in the NBA.

While the team fell short in last season’s Western Conference Finals, the addition of Flagg — along with returning veterans — has Mavericks supporters dreaming of championship banners in the not-so-distant future.

Flagg’s game is tailor-made for the modern NBA. His versatility, defensive instincts, and high basketball IQ make him a potential two-way superstar. At just 19 years old, he’s already drawn comparisons to franchise cornerstones like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, with some believing his defensive upside exceeds both.

Financially, the Mavericks are in a favorable position. With Dončić locked into a supermax deal and Flagg on a rookie-scale contract, Dallas has the flexibility to build around their core while remaining competitive. That’s a luxury few teams enjoy when adding a No. 1 overall pick, as most lottery teams are rebuilding from the ground up.

But Dallas, with its established foundation and win-now mentality, offers Flagg the rare opportunity to contend immediately while developing within a structured environment.

His projected earnings, including the rookie-scale contract and endorsements, could make Flagg one of the wealthiest rookies in league history. But beyond the numbers, it’s his potential impact on the Mavericks’ championship aspirations that has the NBA world buzzing.

If Flagg lives up to the hype, his rookie deal will be merely the beginning. Players of his caliber, when successful, often sign second contracts that exceed $200 million, especially with the NBA’s new media rights deal expected to inflate the salary cap significantly over the next few seasons.

For now, though, the focus remains on Summer League.

Flagg has already joined the Mavericks’ Summer League roster in Las Vegas, participating in practices and acclimating to the team’s system. Early reports suggest he’s meshed well with teammates, showcasing his trademark competitiveness and work ethic.

“Cooper’s been everything we expected and more,” Mavericks Summer League coach Jared Dudley said. “His energy, his feel for the game, and his defensive intensity — it’s off the charts. He’s ready to compete.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action. Dallas tips off their Summer League schedule against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, a game that has drawn national television coverage and significant media attention.

Every minute Flagg plays will be dissected, from his shooting form to his defensive rotations. But that scrutiny comes with the territory for a player projected to be the next face of the league.

It’s a new era for the Mavericks, one marked by optimism, sky-high expectations, and the arrival of Cooper Flagg. His signing, projected earnings, and Summer League debut signal the beginning of what could be a generational career — one that could reshape the NBA landscape for years to come.