Freshman forward Cooper Flagg is dominating in his first year at Duke, proving why he is widely considered the top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. He is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
While many assume he will declare for the draft, Flagg has stated he is open to returning for another season to chase an NCAA championship. This decision has significant financial implications, particularly regarding his potential earnings in the NBA and through NIL deals.
How Much Is Cooper Flagg’s NIL Worth?
According to Colin Salao of Front Office Sports, staying another year at Duke could cost Flagg a massive future payday.
“By staying another year in college, Flagg would delay his second NBA contract by a year,” Salao reported. “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,” he continued.
“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,” Salao explained.
Waiting an extra year could put Flagg at risk of injury, which might limit his ability to secure a maximum contract.
“It’s likely that Flagg will still receive bigger contracts throughout his career as long he lives up to the hype,” Salao added. “But delaying life-changing, guaranteed money by one year is hard to justify, especially considering injury risk.”
While NIL deals can provide substantial earnings for top college athletes, they fall far short of the guaranteed money offered in an NBA contract. Currently, On3 values Flagg’s NIL earnings at $4.8 million, a fraction of what he would make in the NBA.
Flagg’s freshman season has been remarkable. He exceeds expectations as he refines his all-around game. His numbers have improved significantly since the beginning of 2025.
He averages 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 53.8% from the field, 48.0% from three, and 85.7% from the free-throw line. These performances have silenced any doubts about his offensive capabilities, making him a clear favorite for the top overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Cooper Flagg’s Net Worth
Originally part of the 2026 draft class, Flagg reclassified and committed to Duke, accelerating his path to the NBA. His twin brother, Ace Flagg, will be a freshman at the University of Maine next season.
As college basketball continues to evolve with NIL deals, transfer rules, and international talent, decisions regarding whether to stay in school or enter the draft have become increasingly complex. Some players now earn more in college than they would by going pro early.
For example, Kansas State transfer Coleman Hawkins reportedly secured an NIL deal worth $2 million, even though he might have only been a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Similarly, Great Osobor, who now plays for the Washington Huskies, received $2 million in NIL money but is unlikely to have an NBA career.
Could Duke or another program offer Flagg a massive NIL package to stay?
While possible, it would not compare to an NBA contract. The top pick in the 2025 draft is expected to make $11.5 million in their rookie season, while even the seventh pick—where the Brooklyn Nets currently hold a projected selection—would earn just over $6 million.
To keep Flagg in college, an unprecedented NIL deal would be required. Even the most talked-about NIL agreement, quarterback Bryce Underwood’s reported $10-12 million deal to play football at Michigan, does not come close to what Flagg stands to make in the NBA. His long-term financial outlook strongly favors entering the draft in 2025.
Flagg is not just the favorite for the top pick this year—he is considered a generational prospect. If he stays in college, the 2026 draft class will include highly touted players like AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer (who is committed to Duke), and Darryn Peterson, making the competition tougher. Declaring now ensures he enters the NBA as the consensus No. 1 pick.
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Unless something unexpected happens, Flagg will likely declare for the draft. His skills, versatility, and potential have made him the top prospect in his class. With so much money at stake and his future in the NBA nearly guaranteed, staying at Duke for another season would be an unprecedented move.
The risk of injury, the delay in massive earnings, and the increasingly competitive 2026 draft class all make his path to the NBA in 2025 the logical choice. Duke fans may hope to see him return, but barring a shocking decision, Cooper Flagg is set to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
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