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Grizzlies and Pelicans Face Existential Crossroads: Relocation Looms for NBA’s Struggling Franchises
The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans are grappling with a shared crisis of performance, attendance, and long-term viability, sparking speculation about their futures – including the possibility of relocation to burgeoning markets like Seattle and Las Vegas. Both franchises, built around immensely talented but injury-prone stars from the 2019 NBA Draft, find themselves at a critical juncture as the rest of the Western Conference surges ahead.
Both the Grizzlies and Pelicans entered the league with high expectations, fueled by the promise of Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, respectively. Both teams have tasted postseason success in recent years,but have failed to translate that into sustained contention. Morant has secured only one playoff series victory,while Williamson has yet to participate in the playoffs due to health concerns. As a result, both teams are currently projected to be lottery-bound.
The Grizzlies currently hold a 4-6 record, placing them at the No. 10 seed in the West. The Pelicans are faring even worse, with a 2-6 record that positions them among the conference’s bottom feeders. These on-court struggles are compounded by deeper systemic issues.
A significant challenge for both organizations is their status as smaller-market teams. While Memphis has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, New Orleans has consistently struggled to establish a strong community connection, potentially due to a lack of consistent winning. This disconnect is reflected in attendance figures. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Memphis ranked 26th out of 30 NBA teams in home attendance during the 2024-25 season.
The situation in Memphis is particularly fraught. Morant, despite being the team’s primary draw, has missed 21 or more games in each of the past four completed seasons. This year, tensions are rising between Morant and new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. Following a 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Morant appeared to disengage during crucial plays, he reportedly questioned Iisalo’s coaching decisions, leading to a one-game suspension. This incident has prompted rival teams to explore potential trade opportunities. “Morant might potentially be a depreciated asset,” one analyst noted, “but when fully engaged, he remains a star player.”
the NBA is actively considering expansion to capitalize on the growing interest in Las Vegas and the potential return of basketball to Seattle, which has been without a team as 2008. However, relocation remains a viable option. As NBA commissioner Adam silver stated to Sports Illustrated last month, while expansion is the preferred route, relocation has been discussed. though league officials are hesitant to publicly identify potential candidates,the Grizzlies and Pelicans – both operating with arena leases that expire before the end of the decade – are frequently mentioned as the most likely targets.
Williamson’s situation in New Orleans is equally concerning. The duke product has played more than 30 games in a season only twice in his six-year NBA career. His persistent injuries have created constant stress for the franchise. He recently suffered a strained left hamstring, sidelining him for at least a week. Reports suggest the Pelicans are even considering a “league
