Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at age 29, his agency, Priority Sports, and the team confirmed on Tuesday.
There is no information known about the circumstances of Brandon Clarke's sudden death on Monday, May 11th.
The Memphis Grizzlies posted a statement on social media shortly after the news broke.
"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," the statement read.
"We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Joining the Grizzlies, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that the league "is devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke."
"As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."
Clarke was picked 21st in the 2019 NBA Draft. After being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Memphis Grizzlies on Draft night, Clarke spent all seven NBA seasons with the Grizzlies.
An NBA All-Rookie First Team selection, Clarke played 323 career games for the Grizzlies.
Clarke was born on September 19th, 1996, in Vancouver, Canada. After moving to Phoenix, AZ, at age 3, Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State University and Gonzaga, where he was voted a Third Team All-American in 2019.
Following an injury-hit 2025-26 season, in which Clarke missed all but two games with several injuries, the Grizzlies forward was arrested by the Cross County Sheriff's Office after he was found to be in possession of 230 grams of kratom, a herbal extract from a tree that grows in Southeast Asia. Kratom is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Arkansas, with it acting as a stimulant in lower doses and as pain and anxiety relief in higher doses.
