The Memphis Grizzlies are not viewed as one of the NBA’s most desirable trade destinations by many players, according to an anonymous poll conducted by The Athletic.
A total of 120 players participated in the survey, which asked for the first team on their no-trade list. Memphis received 35.8% of the vote, more than three times higher than Washington, D.C., which was next at 11.7%.
Sacramento was the only other city to receive double-digit responses at 10.8%.
One common thread among Memphis, Washington and Sacramento is the challenge of building sustained success. Each market has historically struggled to attract top free agents, making the draft and trades especially important paths to roster construction.
For the Grizzlies, that reality places added significance on this offseason as Memphis holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. While some players around the league have publicly expressed reservations about Memphis, the Grizzlies’ last core — including Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke — all began their careers in Memphis and embraced the city.
Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and Draymond Green are among the notable players who have publicly discussed Memphis as a less-than-ideal destination, citing the hotel accommodations as a concern. James and Green also previously floated the idea of relocating the franchise to Nashville.
The poll suggests Memphis may face challenges when competing for elite talent, but financial opportunities and team success can still shift perception.
Green offered one example of that dynamic. Despite past criticism of Memphis, he revealed in 2024 that he strongly considered signing with the Grizzlies during free agency in 2023 after the team finished the season as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: NBA anonymous player poll reveals Grizzlies’ trade challenges