Family Ties Force Cooper Flagg to Ditch Jayson Tatum & Duke’s Nike Tradition for $1.4 Million NIL Empire

Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero and JJ Redick – What do they have in common? They all come from the talent factory of Duke. Another thing they share amongst them is Nike. At one point in time, it was almost imminent that a Duke talent would sign with Nike. But that tradition came to an end with the college program’s next big thing, Cooper Flagg.

The coveted prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft made the significant choice of signing with New Balance, as Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed today. But it was not the money that dictated his move, it was his family ties that ultimately became the priority.

According to Cooper Flagg, he signed with New Balance as it was a “family company”. “The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me,” Flagg said after signing with NB. “That makes this really different and special. My mom used to go to the tent sale for back-to-school shopping there when we were kids. That really aligns the brand with my roots. It’s a perfect fit.”

This is a developing story….

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