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.

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center... Morant and the Grizzlies have been at the forefront of the offseason so far, as his future and the team's future remain in limbo.

The timing of the backlash is critical. The Grizzlies shocked the league by trading Bane, a 25-year-old two-way star who averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap.

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.

The regrouping Memphis Grizzlies are in an interesting position after being swept from the postseason. Ja Morant figuring out the Oklahoma City Thunder before getting undercut by Lu Dort provided a little comfort going into the summer break.