Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This has been common knowledge before he even played for his alma mater, Duke University.
After the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, they are expected to pick him with the No. 1 pick. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he will spend his entire NBA career with the Mavericks.
In fact, because Flagg grew up in Maine, he grew up rooting for the Boston Celtics. Even though the Celtics have no direct ties to Flagg at the moment, that hasn't stopped them from reaching out to the Maine native.
Former Duke forward Cooper Flagg (51) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
Former Duke forward Cooper Flagg (51) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
David Banks-Imagn Images
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor shared a rather surprising twist on "The Kevin O'Connor Show," where he revealed the Celtics have been in contact with Flagg.
"I have multiple sources also telling me the Celtics interviewed also Cooper Flagg," O'Connor said. "This does not mean they're gonna trade up into the top-10, but I do think it's interesting, at least."
He later added every NBA team is allowed to speak to 13 players who will enter the draft.
Fans were in awe that the Celtics actually did this, seeing as they currently won't be anywhere close to picking Flagg in the draft.
"??? Are we trying to move up or," one asked.
One fan put it bluntly, writing, "This makes zero sense."
"Say What?" a fan asked. "Does that mean Boston will have to give the Dallas Mavericks every Boston asset just for 1 guy, including the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge too? Doesnt sound credible for a team that just won a title last year."
"This should genuinely be considered tampering," said another.
The Celtics have the No. 28 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Pending any surprises, Flagg won't be available when they pick.