With Duke star Cooper Flagg being labeled as a generational talent, here are the top three NBA landing spots for him this summer.
3) Utah Jazz
At 16-54, the Utah Jazz are tied for the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite their struggles this season, there's reason for optimism in Salt Lake City.
Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George have shown flashes of promise in the backcourt, while Walker Kessler continues to develop as a defensive anchor. Add in the veteran presence of Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen, and the Jazz have a promising foundation.
Their biggest weakness? Wing production. Despite a surplus of young wings, they've gotten inconsistent production from that group. Cooper Flagg would be a game-changer on both ends. He would immediately become a starter, giving Utah a legitimate two-way threat on the wing while allowing the other young forwards to develop behind him.
Beyond his offensive versatility, Flagg’s defensive impact would be monumental for Utah. With Kessler protecting the paint and Sexton hounding ball handlers on the perimeter, Flagg would solidify Utah's defense against the league’s elite scoring wings.
If Utah can land Flagg, they would land their first franchise player since Donovan Mitchell - a very exciting possibility for a team that has struggled since his departure.
2) Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers' season has been nothing short of a nightmare, leaving them in an unexpected lottery position. However, landing Cooper Flagg could quickly change the trajectory of the franchise.
While Philadelphia already has Paul George on the wing, his declining production and massive contract make him a likely trade candidate. Flagg would be a promising replacement, offering youth, more defensive versatility, and offensive upside.
His timeline fits perfectly with Philly’s emerging core. Before his injury, Jared McCain was leading the Rookie of the Year race, while Tyrese Maxey continues to establish himself as one of the league’s top young guards. Pairing Flagg with them would create one of the NBA’s most exciting young trios.
If Embiid finds a way back on the court next season, the Sixers will be that much scarier. But with Embiid’s long-term future uncertain, Flagg provides unprecedented insurance. Flagg's arrival could reignite "The Process"—and this time, Philly might just get it right.
1) San Antonio Spurs
No team in the NBA is better positioned for long-term success than the San Antonio Spurs—and adding Cooper Flagg could take them to another level.
Victor Wembanyama, fresh off a Rookie of the Year campaign, is already a generational force. Stephon Castle is making his case for the 2025 Rookie of the Year. The recent acquisition of De’Aaron Fox only adds to San Antonio’s growing firepower.
While injuries to Wembanyama and Fox derailed this season, the Spurs’ most glaring hole remains on the wing. Flagg would be the final piece of the puzzle—a modern, dynamic wing capable of impacting both ends of the floor.
Offensively, his scoring and playmaking would complement the Spurs' existing talent. But defensively, he could be a game-changer. If Wembanyama had stayed healthy, he likely would have run away with the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Now imagine pairing him with Flagg, who scouts believe has similar defensive potential. With Fox and Castle providing solid perimeter defense, the Spurs could quickly become a defensive powerhouse.
If San Antonio lands Flagg, it would be scarily reminiscent of 1997. After going 20-62 with David Robinson out with an injury, the Spurs took Tim Duncan with the first overall pick. The rest is history.