In a move that’s being called “the boldest draft declaration in NBA history,” 18-year-old phenom Zayden Cross, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has made one thing crystal clear:
“If it’s not the Indiana Pacers… I’m not signing.”
That’s right. The 6-foot-8 do-it-all forward from Gary, Indiana, shook the internet late Thursday night after posting a video on Instagram, draped in a vintage Reggie Miller jersey, where he said:
“I was born in Indiana. I was raised watching Pacers ball. I’m not here to chase brands or coastlines. I want to bring a ring to the place that raised me.”
Cross, widely considered the next generational talent, has drawn comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo with a jumper. After dominating the FIBA U19 tournament and leading his high school to a 35–0 national title run, Cross is the consensus top pick across all major draft boards.
But it’s his Pacers-only stance that’s flipping the script on NBA politics.
Sources close to Cross confirm he has signed a “Commitment Declaration” with his agent, which legally limits his branding and endorsement rights to Indianapolis if he’s drafted elsewhere — a contractual move rarely, if ever, seen at the pro level.
“Zayden’s not chasing money,” his father said. “He’s chasing meaning.”
Within 12 hours of the announcement, Pacers jersey mockups bearing “CROSS #24” flooded social media. Fan pages exploded, and ticket deposits for next season increased by 460%.
Cross has already been spotted courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, fueling rumors that Pacers front office execs are exploring trade packages to move up in the draft — if Indiana doesn’t land the No. 1 pick naturally.
Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard hasn’t commented directly, but his recent tweet — a single 🔥 and basketball emoji — was retweeted 28K times in two hours.
📣 Pacers fans, is Zayden Cross the chosen one? Would you want the team to trade up for him?
