Ja Morant isnt here for the Memphis slander, especially when the NBA Finals are going on.
After ESPNs First Take host Stephen A. Smith made critical remarks about the city of Memphis on Tuesday mornings show, Morant didnt stay quiet.
He fired off a pointed social media response, taking aim at ESPNs coverage and defending his city in the process.
instead of focusing on the performances we seen from jdub/shai , tj/siakam, how this series is going . we say sumn negative about a city/team on a national level.
Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 17, 2025
Smiths comments came while discussing the Grizzlies recent trade of Desmond Bane to Orlando.
The people in Memphis its a great sports town, great fans, great people, Smith began. But theres an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others dont feel its the safest environment. Im talking to the local authorities in Memphis. Youve gotta clean some of that stuff up because its dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They told me.
The Grizzlies are in the middle of a massive transition after sending Bane to the Magic in a blockbuster deal that netted Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-rounders, and a pick swap.
Naturally, this has sparked rumors that Morant could be next on the trading block.
But whats clear, whether he stays or eventually moves on, is that Morant still rides for Memphis.
READ MORE: Insider Questions Futures of Grizzlies Stars After Bane Trade
