Stephen A. Smith said NBA players have told him they don't want to play for the Grizzlies because Memphis isn't "the safest environment."

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, who has spent his entire career with the Memphis Grizzlies, appears to have taken offense at Smith's words. The two-time All-Star went on social media on Tuesday and subtly responded to Smith's comments.

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.

After the team parted ways with Bane, there had been plenty of speculation that the Grizzlies could opt to enter a full rebuild, which also lead to them trading Jaren Jackson Jr.