The Dallas Mavericks have exercised the third-year rookie scale team option on Cooper Flagg for the 2027-28 season.

Flagg made an immediate impact in his NBA career, securing the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year. The forward averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks in 70 games in his rookie season.

Flagg led Dallas in points, rebounds, assists and steals last season, becoming just the second rookie in NBA history to lead his team in all four categories, joining Michael Jordan. At 19 years and 112 days old, he became the second-youngest player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, behind LeBron James.

Flagg raised his game as the season progressed after the All-Star break, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He also made history with a 51-point performance against the Orlando Magic on April 3, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game, before following it up with 45 points against the Los Angeles Lakers two days later.

Exercising Flagg’s option is an obvious decision and part of the process but a step for Dallas as the franchise continues build around the young star. After a historic rookie campaign, Flagg enters his second NBA season with expectations even higher and a better supporting cast around him. With a year of experience under his belt, Flagg will be expected to take another step forward in his growth, with development focused on shooting consistency beyond the arc, playmaking and adding strength to his frame as he has gained 20 pounds.

With the signings of Masai Ujiri, Mike Schmitz and Dusty May in place, Mavs are positioning themselves to start building a winning culture around Flagg for years to come.