The 6 NBA franchises planning to tank to acquire Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft

The reality of the NBA is what it is, and we're not even in the month of September yet, but speculations have already begun about the teams that will tank in the 2024/25 season. Two years ago, many did so for a generational player like Victor Wembanyama, and after a season where the Draft didn't offer much, the 2025 draft is once again exciting with many potential future stars, one of whom stands out above the rest: Cooper Flagg.

The 17-year-old talent, who impressed this summer training with Team USA, is believed by all experts to be a generational player that has several franchises, according to Yahoo Sports, already considering the classic tanking strategy to have a shot at him in the NBA Draft 2025. As we always say, it makes little sense to lose games on purpose when the chances of hitting the jackpot are low, but that won't stop many from trying. Here are the 6 teams that could tank for Cooper Flagg this season:

Washington Wizards

The Wizards have a young roster with players like Bilal Coulibaly (No. 7 pick in 2023), Alex Sarr (No. 2 in 2024), and Bub Carrington (No. 14 in 2024). Carrington impressed in the Summer League, while Sarr struggled offensively. The team is coming off a 15-67 season and has yet to secure a star player after failed attempts with John Wall and Bradley Beal. The franchise has not had a winning record in the past six years and has only made the playoffs 15 times in 40 years. They hope for a change of luck in the 2025 Draft.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are in rebuilding mode after trading their star Mikal Bridges for five first-round picks before the 2024 Draft. With no picks in that draft, the team will rely on young players like Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and Nic Claxton. Ben Simmons remains on the team but has been plagued by injuries. Focused on accumulating picks and lacking a veteran star, they could have a 14% chance of landing the top pick in the next draft.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers have had a solid start to their rebuild after parting ways with Damian Lillard. Scoot Henderson ended his rookie season on a high, and the team selected center Donovan Clingan at No. 7 in the 2024 Draft. They did not add veteran pieces in the offseason and could consider trading Jerami Grant. The hope is that the young players develop together as they strive for a high pick in the upcoming draft.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz don't appear to be in full tanking mode after signing Lauri Markkanen to a long-term deal and adding Patty Mills. With a young roster and only 31 wins last season, they may be open to trading Walker Kessler. They drafted three players in 2024, all under 20, and fans trust CEO Danny Ainge's ability to build a championship team, though it will require patience.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons, like the Thunder, started their rebuild a few years ago, but Detroit has finished with the worst record in the NBA in the last two seasons. Yet, they have a young and talented core with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and Ron Holland. The team is likely to continue developing these young talents rather than adding veterans, hoping to land a star in future drafts.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls seem to be in a transitional phase. DeMar DeRozan was traded, and Alex Caruso was swapped for Josh Giddey. It is anticipated that Coby White will have a good year, and although Lonzo Ball, still uncertain, remains healthy. They also picked versatile Matas Buzelis in the 2024 Draft. Despite hopeful signs, it may not be adequate to reach the playoffs, which could prompt the team to make significant decisions to position themselves better in the upcoming draft.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las 6 franquicias NBA que planean tankear para llevarse a Cooper Flagg en la NBA Draft 2025