Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant defended his city against Stephen A. Smith's safety concerns, declaring his intention to remain while questioning negative media narratives.

Ja Morant believes reporters should be focusing on the 2025 NBA Finals rather than the status of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Smith made some very disparaging comments about the city of Memphis and the Memphis Grizzlies on First Take, and Ja Morant fired back on X.

Grizzlies' Ja Morant Subtly Responds to Stephen A. Smith's Aggressive Comments About Memphis originally appeared on Athlon Sports. First, the NBA pundit was caught playing solitaire on his phone during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Stephen A. Smith claims players do not sign with Grizzlies in free agency due to lack of safety in Memphis, in light of Desmond Bane trade

However, according to NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, players don’t feel safe when they travel to Memphis, which could prevent the team from reaching its full potential.

The Memphis Grizzlies added four first-round picks and a swap in the Desmond Bane trade with the Orlando Magic.

The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies agreed to the first blockbuster trade of the NBA offseason, and it has some effects on the Indiana Pacers.