After improbably landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—despite having just a 1.8% chance—the Dallas Mavericks made the obvious selection

As expected by anyone who followed college hoops or draft coverage, the Mavericks chose Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg.

Known for his impact on both ends of the floor, the reigning Naismith Men’s Player of the Year is widely considered America’s most promising young talent. Beyond his immense upside, some observers have noted that no previous No. 1 pick has ever joined a roster as stacked as Dallas.

When fully healthy, the Mavericks will feature Flagg alongside future Hall of Famers Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis.

With fans buzzing about his upcoming NBA Summer League debut, the team announced Wednesday on social media that Flagg had officially signed his rookie contract.

Per Spotrac, as the top pick, Flagg’s rookie deal spans four years and exceeds $62 million in total value—paying him over $15 million annually through his first four seasons.

While reports suggest he earned even more during his time at Duke thanks to NIL deals, his biggest payday will come in 2029, when he becomes eligible to ink a supermax extension.

Officially Official”: Cooper Flagg Signs Rookie Contract with the Dallas Mavericks

“Officially Official”: Cooper Flagg Signs Rookie Contract with the Dallas Mavericks 🏀✍🏼

The moment Mavericks fans and frankly, the entire basketball world have been waiting for is finally here: Cooper Flagg is officially a Dallas Maverick. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft put pen to paper today, signing his rookie contract and taking his first steps toward what many believe will be a franchise-altering career in the NBA.

In a playful nod to his superstardom, the Mavericks social media team shared the news with a clever caption: “Even the Mavs wanted an autograph from the NBA’s #1 overall pick.” That autograph? It’s now inked into Dallas history.

📸 The moment was captured in a photo posted by the team Flagg in full Mavs gear, Sharpie in hand, smile wide. It’s not just a signature; it’s a symbol of a new era.

A New Chapter Begins

At just 18 years old, Flagg has already been described as one of the most polished and versatile prospects in recent memory. After a dominant season at Duke, his mix of elite defense, high IQ playmaking, and quiet intensity made him a unanimous top pick. His arrival in Dallas comes at a critical time: following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, the Mavs are rebuilding with eyes firmly fixed on the future.

Flagg’s rookie deal, in line with the NBA’s rookie scale for top picks, is expected to be worth around $12 million in his first year, totaling over $50 million across four years with team options. But make no mistake his value extends far beyond the numbers.

More Than a Prospect—A Foundation

“Cooper’s not just a talent he’s a culture setter,” said Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. “His work ethic, his team-first mindset, and his hunger to win are exactly what we want this franchise to stand for moving forward.”

From his viral high school highlights to his stoic dominance at Duke, Flagg has carried the weight of expectation with an almost eerie calm. Now, he walks into the heart of Texas basketball tasked with doing what legends do turn a team into a dynasty.

What Comes Next?

Training camp is just weeks away, and all eyes will be on Flagg as he joins a young core that includes Dereck Lively II, Jaden Hardy, and fellow rookie Tyler Smith. The Mavericks are expected to take a developmental approach this season, but that doesn’t mean Flagg won’t shine immediately. He’s already drawing early comparisons to elite two-way players like Kevin Garnett and Kawhi Leonard.

The journey to restore Dallas to championship relevance begins today not with a buzzer-beater, but with a signature.

Welcome to Dallas, Cooper.
The autograph may be for the contract…
…but the legacy is what you’ll be writing next. ✍🏼🔥