Cooper Flagg makes future decision which may cost Duke star $400 million NBA payday | The US Sun
In the fast-evolving world of college basketball, few names have captured the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts alike like Cooper Flagg. A 6’9″ forward from Newport, Maine, Flagg has been a dominant force in high school basketball, drawing comparisons to some of the best players to ever play the game. His skills are undeniable—his combination of size, athleticism, basketball IQ, and versatility has led many to believe that he will be the top pick in the NBA draft within the next few years. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Flagg has made a decision regarding his future that may impact his potential for a $400 million payday in the NBA.
Flagg’s commitment to play for the Duke Blue Devils instead of other major programs, coupled with his decision to potentially stay in college longer than most expected, may be a gamble that could cost him a significant payday in the long run. While many players see college as a stepping stone to the NBA, Flagg’s decision-making process has raised questions about the financial implications of staying in school for an extended period. Will his decision to develop at Duke, instead of jumping to the NBA early, cost him upwards of $400 million in earnings? This article takes a closer look at the factors influencing Flagg’s decision and how his future in the NBA could be impacted.
The Rising Star: Cooper Flagg’s Path to Stardom
Before diving into the specifics of his future decision, it is important to understand how Cooper Flagg reached this point of prominence in the basketball world. Flagg’s meteoric rise began with his outstanding performances at the high school level, where he established himself as one of the most complete players in the country. He has long been known for his combination of length, shot-blocking, rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor offensively. His ability to play both ends of the floor at an elite level has led some to compare him to current NBA superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Anthony Davis.
Flagg’s game has been more than just physical prowess; his basketball IQ and leadership on the court have set him apart from many of his peers. Over the course of his high school career, he earned several accolades, including being named Gatorade National Player of the Year. His dominance on the court has made him a household name, and scouts have repeatedly pegged him as a future NBA superstar.
The recruitment process for Flagg, however, was anything but simple. With offers from nearly every major college program, the decision for where to play college basketball became one of the most closely watched in recent years. Despite offers from programs like Kentucky, Michigan, and Kansas, Flagg ultimately chose Duke. His decision to stay close to home, playing for one of the most prestigious basketball programs in history, was seen as a smart move for his development.
However, as Flagg prepares for his freshman year at Duke, there is growing speculation that he might not jump to the NBA as quickly as some had originally expected. This is where the potential financial implications come into play.
The $400 Million NBA Payday: What Does the Future Hold?
The notion of Cooper Flagg earning a $400 million payday in the NBA is based on the assumption that he will eventually become one of the top players in the league. Given his extraordinary talent, the expectation is that Flagg could be a No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft and sign a max contract worth upwards of $40 million annually. Over the course of a 10-year career, this could add up to nearly $400 million, especially if he lives up to his potential as one of the league’s premier players.
The NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has significantly increased player salaries, particularly for top-tier talent. Players who are selected as high as Flagg is expected to be are routinely offered maximum rookie contracts with the potential to earn a significant amount of money throughout their careers. In fact, the current CBA has enabled some of the NBA’s most talented players to ink massive contracts that will pay them more than $400 million over the course of their careers. For example, players like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Zion Williamson are expected to earn close to $400 million in the coming years, thanks to the NBA’s new deal.
However, the longer Flagg remains in college, the less likely it becomes that he will take advantage of the type of lucrative contract offered to early draft picks. With a strong freshman season, Flagg is poised to declare for the NBA Draft in 2025, but could delaying his entry into the NBA for an additional year or two jeopardize his earning potential?
The College-to-NBA Pipeline: Is Staying in College Costing Cooper Flagg?
The traditional path for top basketball prospects has been clear: graduate from high school, play one year of college basketball (or attend a professional development league like the G-League), and then declare for the NBA Draft. The one-and-done rule, which was in effect until the 2023 CBA, was designed to push top-tier prospects to the NBA sooner rather than later. Under this rule, players were required to be at least 19 years old to enter the draft, which meant that top prospects often only spent a single season in college before turning pro.
However, with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the growing influence of college programs, many players, including Flagg, are now opting to stay in college longer. With the potential to sign lucrative endorsement deals while still in school, the financial incentive to stay in college has grown for elite athletes. Flagg is expected to earn significant NIL money while playing for Duke, especially given the high profile of the program and the potential endorsements he could attract as one of the top players in college basketball.
Despite this, the longer Flagg remains in college, the more he risks missing out on early career earnings in the NBA. While NIL deals provide an income stream, it is unlikely that they will come close to matching the type of money Flagg would earn with a rookie contract and endorsements from NBA brands. Additionally, there is always the risk that staying in college too long could potentially expose Flagg to injury, which could impact his draft stock and long-term earning potential.
Furthermore, the NBA landscape is constantly evolving, with young stars emerging every year. By the time Flagg enters the NBA, the competition for spots at the top of the draft board may have grown even fiercer. The longer he waits to declare for the draft, the more uncertainty there may be regarding his position in the draft order and his eventual payday.
The Long-Term Effects: Will Cooper Flagg’s Decision Affect His Future Earnings?
While it is impossible to predict with absolute certainty, Cooper Flagg’s decision to stay in college longer than expected could have serious financial implications down the road. On one hand, his development at Duke could set him up for a successful career in the NBA, but on the other hand, the potential loss of millions of dollars in future earnings is a concern.
If Flagg enters the NBA draft in 2025 as anticipated, he would likely be a high pick, potentially in the top 5. That would still position him for a massive payday. However, had he entered the draft sooner or played fewer years in college, his rookie contract and endorsement opportunities could have been even more lucrative. Staying in college longer allows Flagg to refine his game and build his brand, but it also delays his financial windfall and exposes him to risks that are present in any sport, such as injury or a sudden drop in performance.
Ultimately, the decision is one that Flagg and his family will have to weigh carefully. They will need to balance short-term financial rewards with long-term career development. Although $400 million is a staggering amount of money, Flagg is also positioning himself for success by ensuring that he is ready for the NBA when he ultimately makes the jump.
