NBA Stars Slam Memphis Hotels, Call for Grizzlies Relocation

LeBron James, Draymond Green, and other players voice displeasure with conditions in the city

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:06am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a basketball game or match between players in geometric shapes and planes of navy blue, light blue, and gold, conceptually representing the discord between the Memphis Grizzlies and other NBA teams.As NBA stars voice frustration with Memphis' subpar facilities, a cubist depiction of the Grizzlies' on-court action reflects the fractured relationship between the team and its visiting opponents.Today in Nashville

Several high-profile NBA players, including LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Anthony Edwards, have recently criticized the poor hotel conditions and overall experience of playing in Memphis. The players have called for the Grizzlies to be relocated to Nashville, which they say has a more robust sports and entertainment infrastructure to support an NBA team.

Why it matters

The NBA has faced growing player discontent over the quality of facilities and amenities in certain markets, which can impact team and player performance as well as the overall fan experience. The criticism of Memphis highlights the league's need to ensure all of its franchises are operating in cities that can adequately support them.

The details

In a recent video, LeBron James unloaded on the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis, saying 'we're all like "you guys have to move." Just go over to Nashville.' Green and other players have echoed similar sentiments, citing poor hotel conditions, lack of amenities, and an overall subpar experience for NBA teams visiting the city. The players believe Nashville, with its thriving sports scene and infrastructure, would be a better fit for an NBA franchise.

  • In a recent Bob Does Sports video, LeBron James criticized playing in Memphis.
  • On a February 22 episode of 'Sundae Conversation with Caleb Pressley', Anthony Edwards expressed his displeasure with Memphis hotels.
  • On a March 18 episode of his podcast, Draymond Green called for the NBA to move the Grizzlies to Nashville.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old superstar player for the Los Angeles Lakers who has voiced strong criticism of the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis.

Draymond Green

A veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who has repeatedly called for the Grizzlies to be relocated to Nashville.

Anthony Edwards

A rising star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has complained about the poor hotel conditions in Memphis.

Matt Barnes

A retired NBA player who says he actually enjoyed his time playing for the Grizzlies, contrary to the perceptions of many other players.

Vernon Maxwell

A former NBA player and co-host of the 'All The Smoke' podcast who has discussed his least favorite NBA cities to visit, including Memphis.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, a random (expletive) Tuesday in Milwaukee staying at the (expletive) Hyatt at 41 years old, you think I want to do that (expletive)? Being in Memphis on a (expletive) random (expletive) Thursday.”

— LeBron James

“I be like, damn, my hotels ain't nothing in Memphis. My (expletive) be dirty. I walked in a Memphis hotel one time, it had stains and (expletive) on the bed.”

— Anthony Edwards

“Memphis definitely has the worst hotels in the league, no question.”

— Draymond Green

“When I went out there, I actually enjoyed it. It was everything I needed in my life at the time, coming fresh off a divorce and coming off a dysfunctional Lob City (Clippers) team, I was kind of able to reset and center.”

— Matt Barnes, Retired NBA Player

“Memphis is easily the worst.”

— Channing Frye, Retired NBA Player

What’s next

The NBA has not yet indicated any plans to relocate the Grizzlies, but the growing player discontent over the conditions in Memphis could put pressure on the league to address the issue. It remains to be seen if the Grizzlies will make improvements to their facilities and amenities or if the NBA will ultimately decide to move the franchise to a different city.

The takeaway

The criticism of Memphis by high-profile NBA players highlights the league's need to ensure all of its franchises are operating in cities that can adequately support them. While some players have found positives in the city, the overall sentiment seems to be that Memphis falls short in providing the level of facilities and amenities that modern NBA players expect. This could ultimately force the league's hand in considering a relocation of the Grizzlies to a city like Nashville that appears better equipped to host an NBA team.