Jan 27, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Stephen A Smith Launches Tirade at Ja Morant After Getting Called Out

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:50 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies have become the center of the NBA's attention over the last few days, despite not being in the NBA Finals. On Sunday, the franchise made a blockbuster trade to send guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and several first-round picks. However, this move led to other conversations about Memphis.

On Tuesday morning, ESPN star Stephen A Smith appeared on First Take to talk about the Grizzlies, going on to say that Memphis is a place players aren't fond of and citing an unsafe environment. Grizzlies star Ja Morant caught wind of that, sharing "talkin bout the grizz more than the finals wit these ahh sources" to his X account.

So this is what we’re doing now @JaMorant? I recall talking about the Finals. But the @memgrizz made news because of Bane getting traded. AND, your possible extension coming up. Would you prefer I go into detail about WTH has been going on in Memphis? Why players have stated… https://t.co/kSa3v4d7Sz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 17, 2025

Never afraid to talk back, Stephen A Smith responded, launching a tirade on Morant that went as follows:

"So this is what we’re doing now @JaMorant ? I recall talking about the Finals. But the @memgrizz made news because of Bane getting traded. AND, your possible extension coming up. Would you prefer I go into detail about WTH has been going on in Memphis?

Why players have stated they’re not interested in going? Or even MORE details? Or would you like me to leave well enough alone, and let the great peeps of Memphis address it on their own? Your call! I’m all ears!"

Ja Morant has a message after the national media can’t keep the city of Memphis and the Grizzlies out of their mouths…

12 IS MEMPHIS.

STILL IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE MEMPHIS VS ERRRBODY. Ⓜ️ pic.twitter.com/ALSfE8zPNg
— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) June 17, 2025

There's no telling exactly what Smith is referring to when he alludes to issues behind the scenes in Memphis. While it's not the most glamorous free agency destination, many believe Smith is blowing this out of proportion for how he views the city.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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