Cooper Flagg appears to be the next young superstar in the NBA. After playing one season of college at Duke, he entered the 2025 NBA draft and was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the first pick. This marked the end of a tumultuous season for the Mavericks, who traded away their franchise player, Luka Doncic, earlier in the season in one of the most controversial trades in NBA history.
Mavericks fans have had their emotions tested in recent months, including Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is viewed as one of the most dominant quarterbacks of all time, but he is also a huge Dallas Mavericks fan.
On Thursday, USA Today posted an interview with Mahomes where he talked about various topics, including the Dallas Mavericks. He was asked about the Doncic trade and then getting Flagg as their new franchise piece.
Q&A: Patrick Mahomes on Mavs fandom after Luka, high school football and more https://t.co/GTg2xqIghQ pic.twitter.com/A6vhHV0IU0
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) July 17, 2025
“It took me a while [to process everything],” Mahomes said. “I was actually at home when the Dončić trade happened in bed like I’m sure a lot of people were, and I remember rolling over and waking my wife up to tell her, like she cared as much as I did. She basically put on a good face for me, but she rolled over, went back to sleep, and it kept me up for a couple hours.
“But, it’s more than just a basketball player, man. I’ve known Luka since he was 18 years old in Dallas, and I was down there, like 22 years old. So, [I’m] happy for him that he got to get to the Lakers, a great organization, and I’m sure the sky is the limit for them there, but [it’s] exciting for me to win the draft lottery, a roller coaster of emotions, and getting Cooper Flagg now, it’s going to be an amazing team. Get everybody back healthy, and we’ll have as good a chance as anybody at making a run at the title this next year.”
Cooper Flagg Takes Home Some Hardware at the ESPYs
Cooper Flagg has not started his NBA career, but he is already winning awards. The ESPYs were held on Wednesday night, and Flagg was one of the award winners. He won in the category: Best College Athlete – Men’s Sports.
Flagg will now make his push for another award, the Rookie of the Year in the NBA. He will enter the 2025-26 season as the favorite but will be up against some stiff competition.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
