No Trade. No Doubts”: LeBron’s Agent Says Cooper Flagg to Mavs Is the Perfect Storm
The Cooper Flagg era may be dawning in Dallas—and according to LeBron James’ power agent Rich Paul, it’s exactly where the projected No. 1 pick needs to be.
After GM Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on Monday night, all eyes turned to one name: Cooper Flagg. The Duke phenom, known for stuffing the stat sheet and electrifying scouts all season, is widely expected to go No. 1 overall—and the Mavericks just happen to be in need of a new franchise face with Luka Dončić now gone.
But will Dallas keep the pick or trade it for an established star?
Rich Paul shut that debate down.
“No, I think there’s definitely no trade. I think the Mavs take him, and I think it’s the right thing for the kid,” Paul said Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show.
Paul, who represents some of the league’s biggest stars including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, didn’t just endorse Flagg—he laid out a vision. One where Flagg grows into a star without the suffocating weight of instant superstardom.
“When you look at Cooper Flagg, look at where he’s at today, his ability to develop next to guys like AD and Lively and also playing with Kyrie once he’s back—I think it helps him,” Paul added.
The opportunity to learn and evolve in a system with experienced players like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and rising big man Dereck Lively II could give Flagg the breathing room most No. 1 picks never get. No overwhelming pressure. No savior complex. Just pure basketball growth.
For Flagg, it could be a blessing. For Dallas, it could be their next dynasty in the making.
Now, the only question is: can Cooper Flagg rise to the occasion—and lead the post-Luka Mavericks into a new era?
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