While it seemed unlikely a couple of months ago, speculation continues to intensify that Cooper Flagg could return to Duke for his sophomore season. However, on Friday an NBA insider explained why foregoing the 2025 NBA Draft would not make a lot of financial sense for the college basketball star.
There was a great deal of hype surrounding Cooper Flagg heading into his freshman season with the Blue Devils. It was at a level where it seemed too high to live up to. However, over his first 30 games in the college ranks, the Maine native has completely lived up to expectations. And exceeded them.
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Heading into the weekend, Duke is ranked second in the nation. Is a legitimate Final Four contender, and it’s all due to the outstanding play of the freshman. Not only does he lead the team in points and rebound per game, he also leads in assists, blocks, and steals. He has been a dominant force and is a favorite to win Player of the Year.
It is why he is a lock to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, in recent weeks the forward has continued to make comments keeping the door open to a potential return next season. While that would seem like a silly idea, on Friday, The Athletic NBA insider Zach Harper explained why it’s not impossible he stays. And it all boils down to money.
“In the NIL era, Flagg can already get paid millions of dollars,” Harper wrote. “He won’t need a summer job to save up for books or deli sandwiches. A recent report estimated he could get between $6 million and $8 million if he stayed another year at Duke. With the bottom of the NBA barrel looking rough, between the Wizards, Hornets and Jazz, maybe Flagg doesn’t want to play for those franchises. NIL gives him the option to stick around.”
- Cooper Flagg stats (2024-25): 19.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Cooper Flagg still unlikely to pass on chance to be No. 1 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Harper makes a very good point. And it is why many around college basketball feel there is a real chance Flagg stays. He can be the top star on one of the sport’s biggest brands. He can compete for a national championship, and do it all while being a millionaire college athlete. It is a great position to be in. But Harper still doesn’t think he will stay at Duke.
Although he could make over $6 million in NIL money next season, the NBA reporter explained that if he does end up being the No. 1 pick in June’s draft, he stands to make twice as much in the first year of his rookie contract. Last year’s No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher is earning $12.5 million this season. That number could go up in 2025 thanks to increased revenue for the league.
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Furthermore, the sooner Flagg can get into the league, the quicker he can get to his first max contract. If he ends up being as good at the next level as he has been in college, in just a few years he could land a max deal worth north of $400 million.
While Cooper Flagg staying in college would be great for the program and college basketball, don’t expect him to pass on the NBA after this season.
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