NBA poll reveals overwhelming player reluctance to join the Grizzlies

For years, the Memphis Grizzlies have faced the same challenge as many small-market franchises - attracting top-tier talent in free agency. But a recent anonymous player poll suggests the issue may run deeper than market size alone.

According to a survey conducted by The Athletic, Memphis was the most commonly cited team players would place on a no-trade list...and by a wide margin.

Why NBA players don’t want to play for the Memphis Grizzlies

In the poll, which included 120 NBA players, the Grizzlies received 35.8% of the vote as the first team players would avoid in a potential trade scenario.

The gap between Memphis and the rest of the league was significant. The Washington Wizards came in second at just 11.7%, highlighting just how strongly players felt about Memphis compared to other destinations. That percentage suggests dozens of players around the league would hesitate to join the franchise under current conditions.

The reasoning, at least publicly, appears to be more about location than anything else. One player in the poll indicated they would “play anywhere”, but admitted Memphis was not a place they wanted to live. Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing to lifestyle preferences rather than organizational dysfunction.

In theory, it’s good that the main issue is not with the team itself, but it doesn’t exactly make the situation easier to solve. Unlike roster construction or coaching changes, geography isn’t exactly something a franchise can change.

The timing of this perception issue is especially challenging. Memphis is entering a transitional phase after several seasons of contention built around Ja Morant and a young core that once pushed near the top of the Western Conference standings. With roster changes already underway and uncertainty surrounding the team’s long-term direction, attracting outside talent could become even more difficult if this perception persists.

Building through the draft and beyond

There is, however, a path forward. The Grizzlies are positioned to reshape their roster through the draft, holding a high selection that could bring in a new foundational piece. For teams facing free agency challenges, internal development and smart trades often become the primary tools for building a contender. That approach has worked before in Memphis.

But as this poll makes clear, the franchise may need to rely on it again, because convincing players to come willingly could be the bigger challenge.

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