The NBA is currently exploring the topic of expansion after dangling the carrot for over two decades. While the league plans to add teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, some have advocated for a team in Nashville. LeBron James recently joined the bandwagon, demanding the Grizzlies move from Memphis to Nashville. He even dropped a tongue-in-cheek comment around the Grizzlies hypothetically securing the top lottery pick for the 2003 NBA draft.

Appearing on the Bob Does Sports YouTube show, LeBron made a major statement about the Grizzlies, which immediately went viral. The Los Angeles Lakers star said it in jest while playing golf. He claimed he would have pulled an “Eli Manning” and committed to a college if the Grizzlies had won the 2003 NBA draft’s top pick. “I’m f—— 41 years of age. You think I want to do sh** in Memphis on a random Thursday? I’m not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team… go over to Nashville already.”

For context, Manning became famous in the 2004 NFL Draft for openly refusing to play for the then-San Diego Chargers, even with the top lottery pick. The Chargers secured the top pick and drafted Manning, but honoured his request, trading him to the New York Giants for the fourth pick, Philip Rivers, and two future draft picks.

LeBron’s statement about Memphis wasn’t directed at the Grizzlies, but rather the city’s limited recreational options for the 41-year-old. Feeling it wasn’t enough, he jokingly suggested the front office move the team to Nashville.

Draymond Green echoed LeBron’s suggestion about relocating the Grizzlies to Nashville, citing similar concerns. However, Green was far more serious, even making an informal pitch to the Grizzlies’ management.

Draymond Green also speaks in favor of relocating the Grizzlies from Memphis to Nashville

LeBron James‘ joke about moving the Grizzlies to Nashville went viral, sparking more debate, especially with Draymond Green’s long-standing support for relocation. Though Green’s statement sparked controversy, he backed it up with experiences from his away games in the Music City.

The veteran forward quickly dismissed Memphis, stating it has nothing to offer compared to other cities. He suggested relocating the franchise by 200 miles east to Nashville, saying, “Do everybody a favor and move that team to Nashville. There’s no great hotels in Memphis. I love the people of Memphis. They are incredible. Shout out to the people of Memphis. I love them, but just from an NBA standpoint, man — there’s not a sauna or a hot tub in sight.”

Nashville mayor Freddie O’Connell steered away from any controversy surrounding Green’s plan, stating, “I love Memphis and the Grizzlies.”…”They do training camps here, and we’d love to see them play a few games here, but our most recent bids have been for professional women’s teams.”

Nashville already hosts several professional and collegiate teams, including the Titans, Predators, Nashville SC, Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Tennessee State. While these teams thrive there, they don’t align with Green or LeBron James’ suggestion. The Grizzlies organization would likely dismiss the idea of leaving Memphis, as it has built a strong, genuine fanbase and deep ties with the community. So the idea of moving out is purely speculative for now, at least.