Here’s What Purdue’s Zach Edey Will Make for His NBA Salary

It's official: Purdue basketball star Zach Edey is a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. So, what is Zach Edey going to make for his NBA salary? For months, fans of Edey were wondering just where he would land in the NBA Draft. Then, we got our answer. Now, the attention is turning towards what Edey will be making as a rookie player for the Grizzlies.

Towering Purdue star Zach Edey was selected as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. The 7 foot, 4 inch center is coming off a banner stint in college basketball, where he averaged 18.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game and was named AP Player of the Year twice. As you can see from the X (formerly Twitter) post below, Purdue is very happy to see Edey hit the bigtime. So, what is Zach Edey going to make for his NBA salary?

Edey is expected to sign a four-year NBA rookie contract with an estimated total value of $26.27 million, according to an estimate from Spotrac. In addition, a section of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement (CBA) makes it clear that players picked in the first round of the NBA draft get a four-year rookie contract. In that contract, however, the first two years are guaranteed, and the final two years are team options. "Each rookie scale contract between a team and a first-round pick shall cover a period of two (2) Seasons, but shall have an option in favor of the team for the player's third season and a second option in favor of the team for the player's fourth Season," the NBA's CBA reads. So, how does that compare to others in the NBA Draft? According to Spotrac, the No. 1 pick is expected to get a $57.19 million NBA salary.

If you're wondering, the Grizzlies are welcoming Edey with open arms. Shortly after picking Edey up on the roster, Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who posted a video on his Instagram story that has since gone viral on social media. The post is a scene from Rush Hour 3 that’s supposed to be having some fun with Edey’s incredible height. Two other Grizzlies players, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., also took to social media with their support. Bane wrote, “LETS GOOOOO,” while Jackson posted three salute emojis in approval. So, he's being welcomed with open arms, which is totally warranted.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and it's been one of the most exciting playoffs in recent years. Many of the top NBA superstars today are in the playoffs, while others are watching, following some upset losses. Either way, there's no denying that the NBA has a ton of talent right now. So many of the games have come down to the wire, which makes for some pretty incredible, and stressful, endings. So, who are the top NBA superstars of the minute?

Before we get into the top NBA superstars today, let's do some NBA history and look at the top players of all time. There's a reason they call LeBron James the GOAT. He's the best ever, according to the raw statistics and numbers via NBA.com. James knows how to really handle the pressure and fame.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, James went into detail about his fame and how it has impacted his life, both personal and professional. "I don't want to say it ever becomes too much, but there are times when I wish I could do normal things," he said. "I wish I could go to Target sometimes and walk into Starbucks and have my name on the cup just like regular people." He obviously can't do that without everyone rushing to meet the greatest basketball player of all time. NBA experts know that when you have a superstar as big as James, he never plays an away game. No matter what city he's in, people will go to that game just to see him. I have yet to see the GOAT in action, so I hope he returns next year, so I can catch him live.

No. 2 on the list of the greatest NBA players of all time, according to the NBA's stats, is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He played until he was 42 in an era where that was even more rare than it is today. So, how did he avoid burning out? Speaking with the Harvard Business Review, Abdul-Jabbar said, "I just thought that I had the greatest job in the world, and I wanted to keep it as long as I could. I knew it wouldn't last forever." He also noted that in one of his books, he quoted Jackie Robinson saying, "Athletes die twice," because when you're no longer playing professional sports, it's a kind of a death. That's deep.

Now, let's get into the top NBA superstars today.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stats currently have him at No. 4 in the NBA, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He's a great driver and fantastic defender. That's a dangerous combination. He's one of the hottest players of the season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is sitting at a Player Impact Estimate of No. 3 in the league via NBA.com. Sadly, before the playoffs began, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury, so he was unable to participate. Now, the Bucks are out.

Some might say that putting LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers this far up on the list is a bit surprising. Overall, as I mentioned above, he's the all-time greatest player in the NBA. However, he's currently No. 5 in the NBA right now, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He's the GOAT, so I have to put him at No. 3.

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is an absolute beast on the court. That doesn't always mean his always team wins, but he's always out there, giving it his all. Doncic is ranked the No. 2 NBA player right now, via the NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, "the Joker," is one of the greatest centers of all time. He's ranked No. 1 in the NBA, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He has gotten some raised eyebrows lately, due to some weak Nuggets games in the playoffs. But, there's no denying this MVP is the best right now.