The future of the Memphis Grizzlies continues to be a topic of conversation—and now, one of the biggest voices in basketball has weighed in.
Appearing on the Bob Does Sports show (episode released Thursday), LeBron James didn’t mince words when discussing what he believes could be the franchise’s long-term outlook.
“I’m not the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. Like, we all like, ‘You guys have to move.’ Just go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there, and you got the [expletive] NASCAR. You got a stadium. Don’t they have a hockey team too? Like they got everything.”
James’ comments immediately reignited a debate that has quietly lingered around the league for years—whether Memphis can continue to sustain an NBA franchise long-term, especially compared to a rapidly growing market like Nashville.
A Hypothetical Past—and a Different Decision?
James also offered an interesting hypothetical, reflecting on the 2003 NBA Draft. While he acknowledged the possibility of playing for Memphis had they landed the No. 1 pick, he admitted he might have taken a drastic route to avoid it.
Referencing Eli Manning—who famously refused to sign with the San Diego Chargers after being selected in 2004—James suggested he may have considered a similar move. Manning was ultimately traded to the New York Giants in exchange for Philip Rivers and additional assets.
Not a New Conversation
While LeBron’s comments carry weight, they aren’t coming out of nowhere.
Stephen A. Smith sparked backlash earlier this year after suggesting that NBA players may be hesitant to embrace Memphis due to concerns about crime and market appeal. During a March episode of First Take, he floated Nashville as a potentially stronger NBA destination.
That drew a sharp—and very public—response from Memphis Chamber CEO Ted Townsend, who bluntly told Smith, “F you,” in defense of the city.
Meanwhile, former All-Star Kenyon Martin added another layer to the discourse in 2025, stating on Gil’s Arena that he “did not feel safe” while in Memphis—comments that, notably, did not draw the same level of official backlash.
What It All Means
Despite the noise, Memphis remains a passionate basketball city with a strong fanbase behind the Grizzlies. However, when voices like LeBron James enter the conversation, it amplifies a reality the NBA may eventually have to confront:
Is Memphis the long-term home for the franchise—or is relocation an inevitability?
For now, it’s just talk. But it’s getting louder.
