In the NBA, talent is only part of the equation—fit matters just as much. A star player can struggle in the wrong system, while the perfect environment can unlock their full potential. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, few prospects have generated as much excitement as Cooper Flagg. The 6’9” forward from Maine is widely expected to be a franchise cornerstone, but the question remains: where should he land? One national reporter believes the answer lies with a certain $3.5 billion NBA team.

On a recent episode of ‘Sloane Knows’, NBA analyst Sloane shared her thoughts on Flagg’s ideal destination. “Where do I want him to end up? That’s the question,” she said before making a strong case for the Jazz. “Cooper Flagg low-key gives Utah Jazz vibes. The Jazz have an insane fandom. They’re, you know, one of the worst teams in the league. So it seems like that lottery may go in their favor, and I feel like he could play well there. I think that, you know, growing up in Maine, he’s sort of like a small-town kid, and I think that Utah can have that vibe, and so I think that would be cool to see.”

It’s an intriguing idea. Utah, currently valued at $3.5 billion according to Statista, is deep in a rebuild. With a 10-35 record, they are strong contenders for the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg could be the player they build around for the next decade.

His skill set makes him a perfect fit for Utah’s current roster, particularly as a potential co-star for Lauri Markkanen. The last time the Jazz had a duo worth watching was Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and before that, you’d have to go all the way back to John Stockton and Karl Malone.

Beyond just the need for a new franchise player, Flagg’s playing style aligns well with what Utah is missing. He’s been dominant in college, averaging 19.9 points per game while shooting 48.7% from the field, 32.9% from three, and 81.1% from the free-throw line.

His 8.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game showcase his all-around game, while his 1.2 blocks and 1.5 steals per game highlight his defensive potential. Utah, a team that has lacked both a defensive anchor and a go-to scorer in recent years, would gain both in Flagg.

Utah seems like the perfect fit, but Flagg’s talent could transform any team. If not the Jazz, who’s next in line?

Beyond Utah: Who else could capture Cooper Flagg?

Of course, the Jazz aren’t the only team that could benefit from drafting Flagg. The Toronto Raptors are another team that could use a player of his caliber, especially when paired with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. His arrival in Toronto who are currently 15-32 would not only give the team a new identity but also possibly increase their audience.

The Washington Wizards, currently sitting at 6-40, are another possible destination. As Sloane pointed out, “Him and Jordan Poole—that could be a pretty special duo as long as they would get along.”

The New Orleans Pelicans could also take a major leap from their current score of 12-36, if they land Flagg, adding him to a core that already includes Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray.

While several teams would love to land Flagg, Utah presents a unique combination of opportunity, fit, and familiarity. As Sloane pointed out, his small-town roots might make Utah feel like home. The Jazz have the infrastructure to let him develop into a superstar, and with the NBA Draft Lottery looming, all eyes will be on whether Utah can secure the future face of their franchise.