Cooper Flagg’s Mom Puts Him on a $180K Car Limit Despite $62M Mavericks Deal

Cooper Flagg’s Mom Puts Him on a $180K Car Limit Despite $62M Mavericks Deal 🚗💰

For most 18-year-olds, buying a first car means saving up for months or even years before finally rolling into the driveway with a modest used vehicle. But Cooper Flagg isn’t most 18-year-olds. The Dallas Mavericks rookie, hailed as the future face of the NBA, has already signed a $62 million contract and stacked up an additional $28 million in NIL deals with giants like New Balance and Fanatics before even playing a professional game.

With that kind of money in the bank, you might think Flagg would head straight to the nearest Lamborghini dealership. But not so fast his mother, Kelly Flagg, has other plans.

The $180K Rule: No Bugattis Just Yet

In an interview with Chime ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, Kelly made it clear that while her son may be rich in dollars, he still needs grounding in values.

“Do not buy a Bugatti right away,” she told him firmly a reminder that NBA fame often leads young athletes down the path of unnecessary excess.

Later in the interview, Kelly and Cooper were asked to write down the maximum dollar amount they thought he should spend on a car. Cooper optimistically put $200,000. Kelly’s answer? $180,000.

That $20,000 difference may seem minor compared to the millions at Flagg’s disposal, but it reflects a much larger lesson: restraint.

And truth be told, Cooper didn’t really argue. For a teenager who’s already drawing LeBron James comparisons on the court, it seems he’s just as content letting his mom steer him in the right financial direction off of it.

Why It Matters: Avoiding the Rookie Trap

Stories of young athletes splurging on luxury items are practically a tradition in professional sports. From Shaquille O’Neal’s legendary car collection to Devin Booker’s fleet of rare classics, athletes often make headlines for their garage as much as their stat lines.

But with every tale of financial indulgence, there are cautionary stories. Many rookies have watched their fortunes evaporate in just a few years, victims of reckless spending, poor advice, or the pressure to live up to a certain image.

For Cooper Flagg, Kelly’s $180K car cap isn’t about denying him a taste of success it’s about ensuring his future isn’t derailed before it really begins.

“Being 18 and earning big bucks must be a weird experience, but proper guidance is key,” Kelly explained. And it’s hard to argue with her logic.

What Will His First Car Be?

Of course, the big question now is: what car fits the bill?

With a ceiling of $180,000, Flagg still has a world of options. A fully loaded Porsche 911 Turbo S, a sleek Aston Martin Vantage, or even a McLaren GT all fall comfortably within range. Each would still turn heads when he pulls into the Mavericks’ practice facility.

And don’t forget Kelly didn’t say “no Bugatti ever.” She just said “not right away.”

If Flagg lives up to the hype (and all signs suggest he will), it’s only a matter of time before a hypercar or two find their way into his garage. But for now, he’ll start with something flashy yet responsible—an approach that mirrors the maturity he’s already shown both on and off the court.

Building a Legacy Beyond the Court

Flagg’s early years in the NBA aren’t just about basketball. They’re about setting the foundation for a career and a life that lasts decades. His game may dazzle fans, but his mother’s insistence on smart decisions might be just as important in cementing his legacy.

For now, the basketball world can only watch and wait to see what ride the Mavericks’ newest star chooses. Whether it’s a Porsche, Ferrari, or something else entirely, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg is already driving down the right road, with mom in the passenger seat keeping him on course.