The long-anticipated day has finally arrived. The Indiana Pacers have reportedly agreed to a stunning £70 million deal to sign Zach Edey, the towering force from Purdue’s men’s basketball program. It’s a move that not only reshapes the immediate future of the Pacers but also alters the trajectory of one of the most fascinating player developments in recent college basketball history. For months, speculation swirled about where the 7-foot-4 Canadian colossus would land. Teams across the NBA, especially those looking to reinforce their interior presence, closely monitored his meteoric rise. But in the end, it’s Indiana—the very state where Edey built his collegiate legacy—that will now serve as the launchpad for his professional career.
This deal, worth a staggering £70 million, signifies more than just a financial investment. It’s a statement of belief in a player who represents a bridge between old-school dominance in the paint and a modern, evolving league. It’s a tribute to Edey’s hard work, transformation, and ability to defy expectations throughout his college career at Purdue. And perhaps just as significantly, it speaks to the Pacers’ renewed commitment to contending in the Eastern Conference, embracing youth, and doubling down on physicality and identity.
For Edey, the path to this moment has been anything but conventional. Born in Toronto, he didn’t even start playing organized basketball until his mid-teens. He gravitated toward hockey and baseball early on but found a home in basketball due to his unique physical frame. Once he stepped onto a basketball court in earnest, it didn’t take long for coaches and scouts to realize they were watching something rare. When he committed to Purdue, there was curiosity more than belief. Many considered him a raw project—a player who might block a few shots and grab some rebounds, but not one who would evolve into a two-time National Player of the Year and a nearly unstoppable interior presence.
At Purdue, Edey refined his game year after year. He wasn’t just big—he was fundamentally sound. His footwork improved. His touch around the rim became soft and consistent. He developed a deep bag of post moves, surprising agility for a man of his size, and an understanding of positioning and timing that made him one of the most unguardable players in college basketball. Over his final two seasons at Purdue, he averaged over 23 points and 12 rebounds per game while shooting above 60 percent from the field. What set him apart, beyond the stats, was the way he anchored Purdue’s offense and defense simultaneously. Everything ran through him. He drew double and triple teams regularly, opening the floor for shooters and cutters alike. Defensively, his sheer presence altered shots and discouraged drives to the basket.
Still, there were skeptics. As dominant as he was in college, questions lingered about how his game would translate to the NBA. Could he defend against smaller, quicker big men? Could he handle the pace and space of the modern game? Could he stay on the floor against teams that prioritize switching and perimeter play? The Pacers, in making this historic financial commitment, are signaling that they believe the answer to those questions is yes—or at least that Edey is worth the gamble.
The fit with Indiana is both logical and emotionally resonant. Edey becomes the rare player who gets to make the jump from college to professional basketball without leaving the state he’s called home for the past few years. That’s no small thing. It means built-in fan support. It means continuity. It means excitement and buzz from a community that already understands and appreciates his game. The transition from West Lafayette to Indianapolis will be smoother than most, and Edey will walk into Gainbridge Fieldhouse already a familiar and beloved figure.
For the Pacers, this move isn’t just about sentiment. It addresses a need. Indiana has been building something promising, with a core that includes Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance—particularly in their uptempo offense and improved defense. But they’ve lacked a consistent interior anchor. Myles Turner has been a solid piece for years, but Edey offers a completely different dynamic. He brings sheer size, rebounding dominance, and low-post scoring that forces opposing teams to adjust their schemes.
What Edey also brings is a throwback element—something increasingly rare in the NBA. In a league that often eschews the post in favor of pace-and-space three-point shooting, Edey represents a gravitational center. His presence demands attention in ways that few players can replicate. If he can even approximate his college production at the next level, he will open up opportunities for Indiana’s wings and guards. Moreover, he could quickly become one of the most impactful screen-setters and offensive rebounders in the NBA, setting the tone for second-chance points and grinding out possessions.
The Pacers are betting that Edey’s old-school skill set can be leveraged in a new-school context. Head coach Rick Carlisle has experience adapting systems to suit unique talents. With Haliburton’s elite vision and passing instincts, the pick-and-roll possibilities are tantalizing. Imagine Edey rolling to the basket with Haliburton orchestrating, or posting up against undersized lineups while shooters space the floor. It’s a system that could mask some of Edey’s potential vulnerabilities while maximizing his strengths.
There’s also the intangible factor—the character and leadership Edey brings. At Purdue, he was more than just the team’s best player. He was its heartbeat. Teammates and coaches alike raved about his work ethic, humility, and focus. He never sought the spotlight, but it found him anyway. In a professional locker room, especially one with so many young players, having someone with Edey’s maturity and commitment to improvement could be invaluable.
And make no mistake, this is only the beginning. £70 million over several years is a massive contract, but it’s also an indication of the expectations that will now follow Edey into the pros. He’s not just a prospect anymore. He’s a cornerstone. That comes with pressure, with scrutiny, and with a spotlight that never dims. But if his college journey is any indication, Edey is more than prepared for it.
