Zach Edey just made a Ja Morant-like stance with his recent Memphis picture

Trade rumors surrounding Ja Morant emerged after the Memphis Grizzlies' season ended in April, fueled by national media suggesting Memphis was an undesirable NBA destination. These rumors were unrelated to team decisions or Morant's performance. Morant publicly defended the city, declaring his commitment to Memphis (referencing its 901 area code) in response to Stephen A. Smith's critical comments about the city during trade discussions. This prompted Memphis' mayor to invite Smith for a dialogue, which he accepted.

Former Grizzlies player Desmond Bane, recently traded, also supported Memphis in a podcast interview. Current star Jaren Jackson Jr. has repeatedly expressed loyalty to the city, quickly signing a five-year contract extension when free agency opened. The trend of players affirming their dedication to Memphis continued as rookie center Zach Edey became the latest to showcase his allegiance.

Edey got tattoos featuring the Grizzlies' logo and an iconic bridge symbolizing Memphis (spanning the Tennessee-Arkansas state line). This marks at least the second current Grizzlies player with a team tattoo, joining Ja Morant, who had the logo inked on his back in 2023. These tattoos, while small gestures, demonstrate genuine appreciation for the organization and city among current players.

Despite Memphis being one of the NBA's smallest markets, players who embrace the city often receive strong community support. Edey's tattoos exemplify this mutual loyalty, contrasting with the perception of Memphis as an unattractive destination and highlighting the positive experiences of players within the team and city.