Duke University’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, and he’s poised to make history—not just on the court, but in his bank account. Widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, Flagg is expected to sign a four-year rookie deal worth approximately $62.7 million. That breaks down to about $15.6 million per year, making it one of the most lucrative rookie contracts ever seen in the NBA.
This contract would surpass that of last year’s top pick, Zaccharie Risacher, who signed for $57.2 million over four years. The escalating rookie scale reflects both the league’s growing revenue and Flagg’s incredible marketability and talent. If these projections hold, Flagg would become the highest-paid rookie in NBA history.
Flagg’s dominance at Duke was evident all season. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His all-around play and leadership on both ends of the floor earned him a slew of national honors, including the prestigious Wooden Award. His performance didn’t just capture headlines—it captivated scouts and front offices across the league.
Off the court, Flagg was just as impactful. Thanks to recent NCAA rule changes allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), he secured endorsement deals with major brands like Gatorade, Fanatics, and New Balance. His NIL valuation peaked at $4.8 million, setting him apart as one of the most marketable college athletes of all time.
But the $62.7 million rookie contract might just be the beginning. Financial analysts project that if Flagg reaches his full potential and secures future supermax extensions, his NBA earnings over the next decade could approach $590 million. That includes
