Cooper Flagg is headed to Dallas, and according to ESPN insiders, he couldn’t be happier. After the Mavericks miraculously won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery despite having just a 1.8% chance, Flagg’s initial stunned reaction quickly gave way to excitement.
ESPN reports that Flagg and his camp are “thrilled” by the outcome, recognizing the rare opportunity to join a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a clear path to early impact.
"Though Flagg initially looked shocked by the results of Monday's draft lottery, sources told ESPN that his camp realized how fortunate he is to land in Dallas. Flagg is said to be thrilled by the idea of joining a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a team that has a void at the small forward position."
"The Mavericks have a need for shot creators and will need Flagg to shoulder significant offensive responsibility as a rookie, which will be great for his long-term development."
After officially declaring for the draft in April, Flagg was already projected to go No. 1 overall. Now, as ESPN’s Tim MacMahon confirmed, that projection is reality.
"Yeah, and I understand that there's going to be speculation about Giannis, this type of historically dominant player, potentially being available on the trade market. What I can tell you is Patrick Dumont, the governor of the Dallas Mavericks, recognizes the gift horse that was that."
"Frankly, after the Luka Doncic trade, they had massive business concerns, had significant long-term concerns with him owing the picks from ‘27 to ‘30, either outright or via swaps."
"He recognizes just how much Cooper Flagg would help mitigate those concerns. Again, it's a gift horse the Mavericks are not going to look in the mouth. The Dallas Mavericks will be picking Cooper Flagg with the number one overall pick."
And make no mistake, the Mavericks are in need of a spark. After trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers, the Mavericks’ season was derailed by injuries. Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the return package, injured himself in his debut.
Kyrie Irving followed with a season-ending ACL tear a month later. Despite high expectations, the Mavericks stumbled into the Play-In and failed to make real noise.
That’s where Flagg comes in. His all-around brilliance at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and earned nearly every national honor, makes him the kind of two-way force that can instantly reshape a franchise.
The Mavericks plan to start him at small forward, a position of need, and give him the freedom to create offensively in a role similar to what he had in college. With AD protecting the rim, Flagg will have space to develop as both a scorer and a defender.
Defensively, Dallas could become one of the NBA’s most imposing units with Davis, Flagg, and Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively anchoring the front line.
Offensively, Flagg will get a crash course in NBA spacing and playmaking, which should accelerate his growth. Once Kyrie Irving returns, the Mavericks could have a formidable trio with Flagg as the bridge between eras.
MacMahon also emphasized that Dallas sees Flagg as a long-term answer. After shipping out future picks in the previous deals, the Mavericks needed a foundational star on a rookie deal.
They now have it. Flagg’s arrival doesn’t just soften the blow of Luka’s exit; it re-energizes a franchise in need of a new identity.
For Flagg, this is the dream scenario. A real chance to compete early, learn from elite veterans, and grow into the face of a franchise. He’s not just the No. 1 pick. He’s Dallas’ future.
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