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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 29.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” read the team’s statement on X. “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 extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
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Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers at FedExForum on December 23, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement on Clarke’s tragic passing.
“We are devastated to learn of Brandon Clarke’s passing. As one of the longest tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with tremendous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
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While Clarke was a first-round pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, his rights were traded to the Grizzlies in exchange for the rights to Darius Bazley and a future second-round pick.
Clarke quickly made his impact known with the Grizzlies, earning the MVP of the 2019 NBA Summer League, with the Vancouver native becoming the second non-American to ever win the award.
Clarke spent the last seven years with the Grizzlies, mainly playing a role off the bench.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum on December 19, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
However, last season was a tough season for Clarke. He played just two games, initially sitting out due to surgery needed on his right knee, before a right calf strain he suffered forced him to miss most games this season.
Memphis announced in March that Clarke was still rehabilitating his injury, but recent tests showed he needed more time to heal. As a result, the expectation was that he would return next season.
Clarke ran into some trouble with the law in April when he was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
He was booked into the Cross County Jail on charges of trespassing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking in a controlled substance.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at FedExForum on March 3, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Clarke starred for Gonzaga during his college career before his impact with the Grizzlies. He made the 2019-20 All-Rookie team after averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in his bench role that season.
Clarke averaged 20.8 minutes on the floor in 309 career games while averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game over his career.
