Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, died on Monday, May 11, in Los Angeles. He was 29. The team, his agency and the NBA confirmed the news on Tuesday, according to CNN.
Details on the cause remain unclear. His death is under investigation as a possible overdose, with drugs found at his home, Yahoo Sports reported. An autopsy is pending.
Career highlights and struggles
Clarke, born September 19, 1996, in Vancouver, played college ball at San Jose State and Gonzaga, Yahoo confirmed. The Oklahoma City Thunder picked him 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and traded him to the Grizzlies.
According to CNN, he earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 alongside Ja Morant. Clarke shone in the 2019 NBA Summer League, winning MVP with four double-doubles and championship game honors of 15 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks.
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Over seven seasons, all with Memphis, he appeared in 309 games, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds, per CNN. In 2024-25, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 64 games before a high-grade PCL sprain sidelined him.
Injuries plagued him. CNN noted that he tore his left Achilles in March 2023 and missed most games since, playing just two this season due to knee and calf issues.
Last month, Clarke faced charges in Arkansas, AP News. He allegedly led police on a high-speed chase and was arrested on Wednesday, April 1, for possession and trafficking of kratom, plus fleeing. The case was open at his death.
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Mourning from team, league
According to CNN, the Grizzlies said, “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.”
His agency, Priority Sports, added, per CNN: “He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, according to CNN, “We are 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.”
The National Basketball Players Association also added, CNN confirmed, “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood.”
Tributes poured in from ESPN and others.
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