Jerami Grant Opens Up About First Months in Memphis After Grizzlies Trade

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jerami Grant has only been with the franchise for three months since being traded, and he opened up to the media about his experience in the city so far.

Grant was traded to the Grizzlies on June 29 in a deal that sent longtime guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers. Media day began for Memphis three days ago, and the Maryland native spoke about his experience in the city.

"I'm enjoying it; definitely been welcomed, you know, by the people here," Grant said to the media on Sept. 30.

This year, Memphis has been a constant topic of discussion, whether it's about the city's culture for NBA players, Morant being traded, or the 10-year lease the franchise signed recently.

Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James expressed his belief that the Grizzlies should move to Nashville, which sparked backlash. He complained about the travel accommodations and expressed his displeasure with being in the city on a random Thursday.

The franchise relocated to Memphis from Vancouver during the 2001-02 season and has remained there since. Throughout its tenure in Memphis, it has provided the city with a professional basketball team, economic growth, and community.

On June 10, the Grizzlies signed a 10-year deal to remain in downtown Memphis, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated he had no plans to move the franchise despite comments from James and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

When Grant was traded to the Grizzlies, there was no indication whether he was part of the team's immediate or long-term plans. However, the front office indicated that it has no plans to trade him this season.

The 6-foot-7 forward was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round with the 39th pick in 2014. He played two full seasons in Philadelphia before the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for him during the 2016-17 season.

Grant played two seasons with the Thunder before playing with the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Portland. In 2023, he signed a five-year, $160 million contract to remain with the Blazers.

Last season, the Syracuse product averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.9% from three.

Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo will enter his second full season as the official head coach. His overall coaching record with Memphis is 29-62. However, he did inherit the team from former coach Taylor Jenkins toward the end of the 2025 season.

Memphis will begin the 2026-27 season without any of the core players from its previous era, and forward Cameron Boozer is the new face of the franchise. As the organization rebuilds, he will continue to help shape the franchise's culture.

On Oct. 21, Memphis will host the Utah Jazz, welcoming back former forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who was traded in February 2026. The matchup will mark the beginning of the Boozer era in Memphis.

Despite being in a rebuild, the expected starting lineup could feature guard Ty Jerome, guard Jaylen Wells, forward Cedric Coward, Boozer, and center Zach Edey.