BREAKING NEWS: Zach Edey Signs $104.8M Deal with Memphis Grizzlies, Donates $3.9M Annually to Canadian Charities
June 3, 2025 — Memphis, TN
In a groundbreaking move that has stunned both the basketball and philanthropic communities, Zachry Cheyne Edey — the towering 7-foot-4 Canadian basketball sensation and Purdue legend — has officially signed a four-year contract with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies worth a staggering $104.8 million.
The deal, which averages $26.2 million annually, marks a major step in Edey’s rapidly rising professional career and places him among the top-earning rookies in recent league history. More significantly, Edey is making headlines off the court as well — pledging 15% of his annual income, or $3.9 million each year, to charitable causes in his native Canada.
Edey, a Toronto native, became a household name during his NCAA career at Purdue University, where he dominated the collegiate landscape and earned multiple national player of the year honors. Known for his rare combination of size, footwork, and basketball IQ, Edey led Purdue to deep NCAA tournament runs and set numerous program records.
Now transitioning to the NBA, Edey’s arrival in Memphis is expected to bolster the Grizzlies’ frontcourt and bring a new dimension to their interior game. “Zach is not only a generational talent — he’s a leader, a team-first competitor, and someone whose impact transcends basketball,” said Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman in a press release Tuesday morning.
But what sets Edey apart isn’t just his dominance in the paint — it’s his deep commitment to giving back. Immediately following the signing announcement, Edey confirmed that 15% of his salary would be directed annually to Canadian youth and community development initiatives, including athletic programs, education access, and food security projects.
“It’s a blessing to be in this position, and I’ve never forgotten where I came from,” Edey said during a press conference in Memphis. “Canada gave me the foundation to dream big — now I want to make sure other kids can do the same.”
The $3.9 million yearly donation is among the largest charitable commitments ever made by a first-year NBA player, according to sports philanthropy analysts. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the gesture on social media, calling Edey “a national treasure both on and off the court.”
As Zach Edey begins his professional journey with Memphis, he’s not just bringing his imposing presence to the NBA — he’s setting a new standard for purpose-driven athletes around the world.
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