Dallas Mavericks sign No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg to rookie contract
DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks have signed No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg to his four-year rookie contract.
The team didn't disclose details in announcing the deal Wednesday. The total value of the contract for the top pick on the 2025-26 rookie wage scale is in the range of $62.7 million, with a first-year salary of about $13.8 million, according to Spotrac. Those numbers can fluctuate slightly.
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There are team options in the third and fourth seasons of rookie deals.
Flagg said during his introductory news conference last week that he intends to play in the Summer League in Las Vegas later this month. The Mavericks' Summer League opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Bronny James is set to be nationally televised on July 10.
Flagg was taken with the top pick after Dallas converted just a 1.8% chance to win the draft lottery. The 18-year-old from Duke became the fourth freshman to win The Associated Press national player of the year honors in the 64-year history of the award. Flagg led the Blue Devils to the Final Four in his only season.
The 6-foot-9 forward joins a frontcourt that should include 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis and promising young center Dereck Lively II, Flagg's fellow Duke alum. The Mavs shocked the NBA by sending 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Davis in February.
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Dallas guard Kyrie Irving is another former Duke player to go first overall in the draft, in 2011. He will be out, probably until at least midseason, while recovering from a torn ACL. Irving was injured in March.
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- Yahoo
Cooper Flagg Names Toughest NBA Matchup Without Hesitation
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New York Times
33 minutes ago
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Newsweek
37 minutes ago
- Newsweek
LeBron James Idea Ties Knicks to Offseason Splash Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. LeBron James has dominated the NBA rumor mill over the last week. With his relationship crumbling with the Los Angeles Lakers, a lot of trade speculation has come up with his name attached. While it's possible that James and the Lakers could part ways, finding the right partner in trade talks could prove to be difficult. Acquiring James would not be cheap for whoever pursues the option. Los Angeles won't give him up for free and James is playing on a one-year deal worth just over $52.6 million. There aren't many teams that could come up with a deal that makes sense for both sides. LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo byThat being said, one analyst has taken a look at the five best potential destinations for James. Read more: Lakers, Warriors Facing New Competition for Al Horford in NBA Free Agency Bleacher Report's Dan Favale has suggested the New York Knicks as one of those top five destinations. "New York will fill its second ball-handler box by adding Jordan Clarkson. That's no reason to pass on LeBron, who remains a top-tier offensive player. The one-two punch between him and Jalen Brunson would be bonkers, alleviating the workload on not only the latter, but Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby as well," Favale wrote. He also hinted at Karl-Anthony Towns being the centerpiece of a trade with the Lakers for James. "Adding Guerschon Yabusele and having Mitchell Robinson positions the Knicks to get by at center without Towns while still maintaining five-out whimsy in certain lineups. They might even appreciate the extra flexibility LeBron's expiring contract affords, particularly as Bridges gets more expensive after this season." James heading to the Knicks would shake the landscape of the NBA. New York made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season before being defeated by the Indiana Pacers in six games. Read more: Lakers' LeBron James Trade Rumors Receive Huge Update Mike Brown has taken over as the team's head coach to replace Tom Thibodeau. Adding a player like James in place of Towns could be the move that powers New York into the NBA Finals. It's not likely that the Knicks will make a move for James. However, it cannot be counted out. At the very least, New York has made the cut as one of the perceived top fits for LeBron should he leave Los Angeles. Fans will simply have to wait and see what the future has in store for James. For more on the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
