Cooper Flagg sparked discussion when he expressed his desire to “come back next year” to Duke, a statement that caught attention given his previous remarks about simply “living in the present.”
However, choosing to return for another season at Duke would come with a massive financial sacrifice. By delaying his entry into the NBA, Flagg could potentially forfeit up to $75 million in earnings.
This loss stems from the fact that he would then enter the NBA at a more typical rookie age, delaying the start of his years-of-service clock – something that plays a crucial role in negotiating future contracts.
Because Flagg reclassified and graduated high school a year early, he is currently on track to be one of the youngest players in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
Although Flagg is earning substantial income through NIL deals at Duke, it is highly unlikely that his earnings come close to the financial opportunities awaiting him in the NBA.
For this reason, most experts anticipate that the talented freshman will declare for the 2025 draft. As one Eastern Conference scout bluntly put it: “I can’t remember a No. 1 pick deciding to go back to school.”
Returning To Duke Could Cost Cooper Flagg $75 Million https://t.co/Hr2Jw96uRz
— RealGM (@RealGM) March 21, 2025
