NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Memphis a “great market, historically,” for the NBA.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The NBA commissioner is chiming in on calls to move the Memphis Grizzlies to Nashville. 

During an interview on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Commissioner Adam Silver was asked about LeBron James’ comments regarding Memphis. Earlier this month, James said that he didn’t like playing in the city and called for the Grizzlies to be moved to Nashville. 

Silver said that Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera has “no interest” in moving the team out of Memphis.

“He’s made that clear,” Silver said. 

Silver also responded to claims that NBA players do not like playing in Memphis. 

“Players I talk to all the time, like playing in Memphis,” Silver said. “I’ve never heard that issue of players not wanting to be in Memphis.”

Silver said that Memphis has historically been a “great market” for the NBA. 

“There’s amazing history in that city, amazing culture,” Silver said. 

Silver acknowledged that Nashville is a “city on the rise,” and said that he would like for the Memphis Grizzlies to play a few games in Nashville a year to become “Tennessee’s team.” 

Silver said that the league wants teams to do well throughout the country. 

“From my standpoint, there’s no reason why the Memphis Grizzlies can’t be successful,” he said.Â