How much is Cooper Flagg salary? - Duke star to earn less in NBA than college after Dallas Mavericks draft

Cooper Flagg is poised to become one of the NBA's biggest stars in the coming seasons, there's no doubt about it. So, excitement was palpable in Dallas when the Mavericks secured the first overall pick in this year's draft.

As expected, the Texas team selected Flagg, meaning the young forward will begin his professional career in Dallas.

The Duke star signed his rookie contract, the terms of which are predetermined by the NBA. Flagg landed a four-year deal worth just over $62 million.

The first two years are guaranteed, totalling $28 million, with the potential to earn the full $62 million if he remains in Dallas for all four seasons.

Interestingly, Flagg will earn significantly less than he did in college, as reported by Sportal.

During the first two guaranteed years of his NBA contract, he'll make $14 million per season. By comparison, he earned double that amount in endorsements alone at Duke.

Through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, which allow NCAA athletes to monetise their personal brand, Flagg earned a staggering $28 million in the 2024-25 season.

That's twice what he'll make in the 2025-26 season as a member of the NBA. If all goes well, Flagg will be eligible for a super-max contract with the Mavericks after his four-year deal expires. But that's still a long way off.