• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Unlikely Lottery Luck Could Change Mavericks Franchise for Decades

Three months after trading Luka Dončić the Mavericks won the NBA draft lottery for the first time in franchise history.

David Banks-Imagn Images

From Luka to Cooper. 

Three months after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. 

At Monday’s NBA draft lottery, the Mavericks were announced as the team with the No. 1 pick despite just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery. It marked the first time the franchise has moved up in the lottery since the system was first implemented in 1985. The NBA draft is June 25 at Barclays Center. 

Flagg, the presumptive No. 1 pick, dramatically changes the future of the Mavericks. The team was riddled with injuries after Dončić was traded for a package that included Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Mavericks were betting on size, putting Davis around Derrick Lively, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Kyrie Irving. 

“Defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has repeatedly said since trading Dončić. 

But many believed the Mavericks were banking on a core that is old and injury-riddled, as Davis and Irving both have extensive injury histories. The 18-year-old Flagg joins a team that will immediately contend for a playoff spot and gives the franchise a path to win after the older core has run its course, similar to Dončić. 

Trading the 25-year-old Dončić less than a year after he led the franchise to the NBA Finals led to a fan revolt the likes of which Dallas hasn’t seen in years. Harrison received death threats, Mavericks season tickets were cancelled, and fans rioted in the streets over the deal. Now Harrison has another generational star fall into his lap. 

The Mavericks were 10th among NBA teams in salary this season, with around $173 million. Flagg’s rookie contract, assuming he goes No. 1, will be a four-year deal worth $62.7 million. 

Flagg was named National College Player of the Year and a first-team All-American in his lone year at Duke after averaging 19.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while shooting an extremely efficient 48% from the field and 39% from 3. Flagg led the Devils to the Final Four before the team fell to Houston. 

The 6-foot-9 forward already has numerous endorsements, notably spurning Nike to sign with New Balance. Flagg hails from Maine and signed with the Boston-based company because of his ties to New England. He wore the shoes growing up. 

Full draft lottery order:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

5. Utah Jazz

6. Washington Wizards

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Brooklyn Nets

9. Toronto Raptors

10. Houston Rockets (from Phoenix)

11. Portland Trailblazers

12. Chicago Bulls

13. Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento) 

14. San Antonio Spurs 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before the game between the Browns and the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium

Unearthed NFL Arbitration Ruling Raises More Questions Than Answers

The NFL was cleared of collusion, but new questions have emerged.
exclusive

Fever and Bonner Heading for a Breakup? Here’s What We Know

The Fever are exploring options as DeWanna Bonner seeks a fresh start.

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center.

Wizards Acquire CJ McCollum to Set Up $100M in 2026 Cap Space

About $110 million will come off the Wizards’ books next year.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jun 22, 2025; Cromwell, Connecticut, USA; Scottie Scheffler plays his shot from the first tee during the final round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament.

PGA Tour’s $20M Signature Events Finish 2025 Season Up in TV Ratings

The Travelers Championship was the last of eight elevated events this year.
Sabrina Ionescu with the New York Liberty shots over defenders from the Toyota Antelopes during the first half at Matthew Knight Arena May 12, 2025 in Eugene.
June 24, 2025

How Preseason Games Have Become a Key Revenue Stream for WNBA Teams

The WNBA’s preseason featured four games played on college campuses.
Jun 23, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Al Ahly's Mohamed Hany reacts after the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
June 24, 2025

Heat Wave Across the U.S. Impacting Major Sports

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it’s been almost impossible to train.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 23, 2025

NBA Offseason: Draft Drama, Free Agency, and a Critical Owners Meeting

The 2025 NBA draft will be on June 25 and 26.
June 23, 2025

NBA Conference Gap Wider Than Ever Amid Injuries to East’s Best

A team from the West has won the NBA title 17 times since 2000.
June 22, 2025

Thunder Win NBA Finals Behind Young, Deep, and Cheap Roster

The Thunder’s young and cheap roster won its first title Sunday.
June 22, 2025

WNBA Players Drop Fresh Statement in CBA Fight: ‘We Want a Fair..

The WNBA All-Star Game is less than four weeks away.