Cooper Flagg may be the NBA’s newest multimillionaire, but his mother is making sure he doesn’t let the money go to his head, or his garage.
After signing a four-year, $62.7 million rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks, the 18-year-old phenom sat down for an interview with Chime alongside his mom, Kelly Flagg, where the topic of his first car came up. And let’s just say: Bugattis are off the table.
“Do not buy a Bugatti right away,” Kelly said firmly, cutting off her son mid-sentence as he expressed excitement about getting his own vehicle.
In a lighthearted moment, both Cooper and Kelly were asked to write down what they thought was a reasonable budget for his first car. Cooper went with $200,000. Kelly? A strict $180,000.
While that’s still a luxury price tag, the exchange revealed something deeper: a commitment to financial discipline, even in the face of sudden wealth. Kelly, a former college basketball player herself, emphasized the importance of restraint and long-term thinking.
“People might assume that I might buy like a sports car, but I don’t see myself doing that,” Cooper added, showing maturity beyond his years.
Flagg’s upbringing in Maine didn’t include lavish spending or flashy cars. His family prioritized hard work, humility, and smart choices, values that now shape his approach to life in the NBA spotlight. Despite securing lucrative endorsement deals with New Balance and Fanatics worth over $40 million combined, Cooper seems determined to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued many young athletes.
His wishlist for his new home? A golf simulator and a hot tub, both modest compared to the extravagant purchases often associated with rookie stars.
While the car conversation made headlines, Flagg’s real priority remains basketball. After a dominant showing in Summer League, averaging 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, the Mavericks shut him down early to preserve his health. He’s already being hailed as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, with legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin calling him “the most complete prospect in years”.
With preseason around the corner and expectations sky-high, Cooper Flagg is entering the NBA with a rare combination of talent, humility, and guidance. And thanks to his mom, he’s starting his journey not in a Bugatti, but with a budget, a plan, and a mindset built for longevity.
