The Memphis Grizzlies announced Tuesday that forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at the age of 29.
Team officials did not immediately release details regarding the cause of death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “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 Vancouver native was picked 21st in the 2019 NBA Draft by Oklahoma City but was immediately traded to Memphis that same evening. Clarke remained with the Grizzlies throughout his professional career and received NBA All-Rookie First Team recognition in 2020 following a strong first season where he posted averages of 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Recent knee and calf problems restricted Clarke to only two games during the 2025-26 campaign.
Prior to joining the professional ranks, Clarke competed collegiately at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga, where he became one of the nation’s premier forwards in the 2018-19 season.
Clarke faced legal troubles last month when he was taken into custody in Arkansas on multiple charges, including controlled substance possession and trafficking, along with improper passing and fleeing in a vehicle while speeding, law enforcement officials reported.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed that the league was “devastated” by Clarke’s passing, calling him “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,” Silver added in a statement.
