There is no secret that Memphis is one of the least desirable cities for NBA players to want to play in. Ranked by TV market size in a survey completed in 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies ranked as the lowest in the NBA. The team also ranked as the lowest team valuation by Forbes in 2024 at $3.0 billion.
Due to this reality, the best free agent the team has signed in their franchise's history is Tony Allen in 2010. Also, the best player the team has received in a trade is Zach Randolph in 2009. While both players now have their jerseys retired in the FedExForum after their successful run during the Grit and Grind era, both were afterthoughts when coming to Memphis.
So, when predicting the Grizzlies make significant moves to upgrade their core into championship contention, it's deeper than just basketball. That's why Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo's tweets weren't a shock to fans of the team.
Giannis listed his favorite city/state to play in
The two-time NBA MVP and 2021 Finals MVP has a meeting scheduled with the Milwaukee Bucks this week to discuss his future after news dropped last week that he was open-minded to being moved. Considering his story of growing up in Greece, Giannis has excelled in a small market in Milwaukee and hasn't felt like the type who cares to be in a big market city.
However, he returned to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to answer a plethora of fan questions, and two separate questions brought insight into his favorite places to play. When asked what was his favorite city to play on the road, he mentioned New York.
That isn't much of a surprise, as that is a place where plenty of stars like to play, especially against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. The majority of star players who enjoy playing there haven't forced their way to New York for a trade either. However, Brooklyn was able to poach Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden through free agency and trades.
Also, he was asked which city outside of his hometown he was the happiest to be in, and he answered Florida cities. Florida has two teams, the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, with the latter being mentioned as a potential destination for him.
It is widely presumed that Giannis would only want out of Milwaukee to maximize his chances at winning another NBA title or multiple titles. Outside of the Knicks, who are currently in the Eastern Conference Finals, none of the other three teams named above would present a better opportunity to compete for a championship over Memphis after a trade.
While the entire NBA awaits the aftermath of Giannis' meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks this week, the Memphis Grizzlies should prepare to make the biggest move in franchise history if the Bucks' star would welcome a trade based on what he wants to accomplish, rather than where he prefers to live.