The Duke Blue Devils basketball team has been one of the top programs in college basketball this season, sitting at No. 3 in the AP Poll with a strong 22-3 record. However, the biggest story surrounding the Blue Devils isn’t their success — it’s their standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg’s Future in Question
In his third year, head coach Jon Scheyer has continued Duke’s tradition of excellence. He has led the team to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Flagg’s dominance on the court has already solidified his status as an elite prospect, but a recent statement caught the basketball world off guard.
In an interview with The Athletic, Flagg made a surprising revelation, saying:
“S***, I want to come back next year.”
The X page of Front Office Sports quickly shared this news, captioning their post:
“Duke superstar Cooper Flagg says he wants to return to Duke next season.”
Duke superstar Cooper Flagg says he wants to return to Duke next season.
The projected No. 1 NBA draft pick could push back what could be a gigantic $400 million payday.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 18, 2025
If Flagg follows through on his statement, it would drastically alter expectations for both Duke and the NBA team with the top draft pick. The Blue Devils are set to bring in one of the strongest recruiting classes in the country, featuring top-ranked twin prospects Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
A returning Flagg would make Duke an even bigger powerhouse, but it would also mean he delays the financial benefits of entering the NBA.
Flagg’s decision could have massive financial implications. As highlighted by Front Office Sports, staying in college an extra year would push back his NBA earning timeline.
By staying another year in college, Flagg would delay his second NBA contract by a year. A rookie deal lasts four years, so if Flagg were to opt into the 2025 draft, he’d start his second contract by the 2029–2030 season.
The Financial Impact of Delaying the NBA Draft
The rookie scale maximum can be worth 30% of a team’s salary cap, and assuming a 10% maximum cap increase (the 2024–2025 salary cap is $140.59 million), Flagg’s second contract could be worth as much as $398.5 million over five years — or nearly $80 million per year.
Even though Flagg could receive a massive NIL deal to return, the financial trade-off is significant. His second NBA contract would likely be worth hundreds of millions — deciding to stay in college comes with high stakes.
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Another factor in Flagg’s decision could be the franchise that lands the No. 1 pick. If the team does not align with his preferences or long-term plans, returning to Duke for another season would give him more control over his career path while adding to his college legacy.
Whether Flagg ultimately declares for the NBA Draft or returns to Duke, his decision will have a major impact on both college basketball and the professional level.
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