While it was a foregone conclusion that Cooper Flag would be drafted number one by the Dallas Mavericks this year, many people speculated who would go second. Dylan Harper ultimately earned that distinction, picked up by the San Antonio Spurs 39 years after his father was selected eighth in the 1986 NBA Draft.
Despite Dylan’s father Ron Harper winning five NBA championships during his career while playing with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers, his son’s rookie contract already surpasses his entire career earnings.
Dylan will reportedly earn $56m in his first four seasons
According to reports, Dylan will earn $56m in his first four seasons, which dwarfs the $35m his father made. Of course, there’s a lot more money in the NBA these days and inflation to consider. The league’s revenue in 1986 was around $200m, with the 2025 total at around the $12bn mark.
Basketball fans will keep a close eye to see if the 19-year-old can have anything near the career of his father, who was blighted by knee injuries during his 15 seasons in the league.
