Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, his agency announced. He was 29.
Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed the news in a social-media post Tuesday. The agency’s full post read:
“We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.
“Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.
“We love you, BC.”
The Grizzlies also released a statement Tuesday confirming Clarke’s death. The team’s full statement read:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver called Clarke a “beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit” in a statement.
The incident is reportedly being investigated as a possible drug overdose, per NBCLosAngeles.com.
An autopsy will determine Clarke’s official cause of death.
Brandon Clarke spent all seven NBA seasons with Grizzlies
Clarke was selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and spent his entire NBA career with the franchise. Clarke, along with Ja Morant, was the longest-tenured player on the Grizzlies.
Clarke showed promise in his first season, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting.
While Clarke never developed into a full-time starter, he continued to show strong development off the bench, even earning a down-ballot vote for Sixth Man of the Year during the 2021-22 NBA season.
The team felt good enough about Clarke’s development that it signed him to a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022. But injuries prevented Clarke from taking the court. His 2022-23 season ended prematurely after Clarke tore his left Achilles. He was limited to just six games the following season due to the injury.
After seeing limited playing time and a career-low 8.3 points per game during the 2024-25 NBA season, Clarke sustained a PCL injury that caused him to miss the final 12 games of the regular season.
He then sustained a knee injury over the offseason, causing Clarke to undergo surgery and miss time early in the 2025-26 NBA season. He was able to return to the team for just two games before sustaining a calf injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season.
While away from the team, Clarke made headlines in April after he was arrested in Arkansas due to allegations of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. Clarke reportedly had more than 200 grams of kratom in his car at the time, per police reports.
Kratom leaves can be used as stimulants or sedatives. The leaves can also “lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence,” per the DEA’s website.
While its legality differs from state-to-state, kratom is illegal in Arkansas, where Clarke was arrested. He was released from jail following his arrest and was expected to rejoin the Grizzlies next season.
Prior to playing for the Grizzlies, Clarke had a standout college career. He emerged as a strong prospect at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga for his final collegiate season. Clarke averaged 16.9 points and a conference-leading 3.2 blocks per game with Gonzaga. He helped lead the team to the Elite Eight, where it fell to Texas Tech. Clarke scored double-digit points in all four of Gonzaga’s NCAA tournament games during the team’s run.
This story will be updated.
