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Cooper Flagg's time at Duke may have lasted just one season, but his impact-and future payday-are monumental. The 18-year-old forward officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft in a heartfelt video addressed to fans, where he described the past year as "the best of my life." With his announcement, Flagg is poised to become the No. 1 overall pick and potentially sign one of the most lucrative rookie contracts in league history.
The NBA Draft, set for June 25 in New York, will likely see Flagg's name called first by one of the top lottery teams-possibly the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, or Charlotte Hornets. And with that selection, a massive paycheck will follow.
An $62.7 million leap into the pros
According to industry projections, Flagg's rookie contract is expected to total $62.7 million over four years, with an average annual salary of approximately $15.6 million. For a teenager just months removed from his freshman year in college, the number is staggering-and historic.
That figure would sur the current record held by 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, whose deal with the Atlanta Hawks maxes out at $57.2 million. If the predictions hold, Flagg could become the highest-paid rookie in NBA history.
His NIL empire was just the beginning
Before declaring for the draft, Flagg had already built a small fortune through NIL (name, image, and likeness) endorsements. Partnered with brands like New Balance, Gatorade, and Fanatics, the Maine native was one of the most marketable athletes in college sports. According to ON3, his NIL valuation was estimated at $4.8 million-making him the second most valuable college athlete behind Arch Manning.
Yet even that impressive portfolio pales in comparison to what he's about to earn.
The NBA spotlight awaits
While Flagg still has the option to withdraw his draft declaration before late May, all signs point toward him beginning a new chapter in the NBA this summer. With elite skills, major endorsement momentum, and generational talent, Flagg isn't just heading to the league-he's arriving with one of the biggest rookie paydays ever.