Duke Blue Devils sensation Cooper Flagg, the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, appeared stunned by the Dallas Mavericks winning Monday’s draft lottery. However, a day later, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony provided clarity on Flagg’s camp’s perspective on him likely joining the Mavericks’ veteran-laden core.

Flagg has been the obvious No. 1 pick all season, but Harrison's decision to trade the 25-year-old Dončić for a 31-year-old Anthony Davis suggested that Dallas was all-in on the present. Had that been the case, Dallas could have offered Flagg for a number of veteran All-Stars, most notably Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available.