The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans have been mirror images of each other lately. Both teams feature talented—but often mercurial and injury-prone—multi-time All-Stars from the 2019 NBA Draft: Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson.
Over the past few years, both clubs have experienced some postseason success and were expected to build on that momentum with deep playoff runs by now. However, neither has achieved much in the playoffs—Morant has won just a single playoff series, while Williamson has never been fully healthy during the postseason. As a result, both teams currently appear headed toward the lottery as the rest of the Western Conference pulls ahead.
### Current Season Struggles
The Grizzlies are off to a mediocre 4-6 start this young season, holding the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are struggling even more, sitting at 2-6 and looking like one of the worst teams in the conference.
### Market Challenges and Fan Engagement
Another challenge facing both franchises is their status as smaller-market teams. Memphis has managed to build a decent fanbase over time, but New Orleans has never fully established itself within its community—perhaps partly due to struggling to maintain a consistent winning culture.
Attendance at Memphis’s FedEx Forum has recently dipped. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Grizzlies ranked 26th out of 30 NBA teams in home attendance for the 2024-25 season. Despite this, Ja Morant remains the main attraction, even though he has missed 21 or more games in each of the past four completed seasons.
### Tensions Between Morant and Coaching Staff
This season, tensions appear to be growing between Morant and new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. After Morant was caught taking plays off during a 117-112 loss to a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers lineup last week, he publicly criticized Iisalo’s coaching decisions. This led the Grizzlies to suspend Morant for a game.
With rival teams now circling, a trade involving Morant—currently seen as a depreciated asset—has become a real possibility. When dialed-in, Morant is still a star, making him an attractive albeit risky prospect.
### Possible Relocation Discussions
Mannix also highlights ongoing league discussions around expansion, particularly driven by strong NBA interest in the growing Las Vegas market and in Seattle (which has been without a team since 2008). While expansion is the NBA’s preferred route, relocation could come into play. Both the Grizzlies and Pelicans—small-market franchises with arena deals expiring before the decade’s end—are often mentioned quietly as the most likely relocation candidates.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the possibility of relocation in recent comments, though no officials have publicly named specific teams.
### Zion Williamson’s Ongoing Injury Woes
Zion Williamson’s health challenges have been even more severe since turning pro. The talented Duke product has played more than 30 games only twice in his six NBA seasons. His limited availability and fitness remain an ongoing source of frustration for the Pelicans.
This season, Williamson has already encountered another setback, sidelined for at least a week with a strained left hamstring.
### What’s Next for These Franchises?
Both teams face significant hurdles on and off the court. While Morant and Williamson’s star power offers hope, their injuries and off-court issues weigh heavily on their respective franchises. Whether through trades, coaching changes, or possible relocation, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the futures of the Grizzlies and Pelicans.
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**More News:**
– Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Slammed by Former All-Star After Loss to Lakers
– Pelicans Urged to Trade Zion Williamson in League-Altering Move
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/nba-insider-names-grizzlies-pelicans-as-teams-that-could-relocate-11017029