The Memphis Grizzlies organization announced Tuesday that forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at 29 years old.
Details surrounding the circumstances, timing, and location of Clarke’s death have not been disclosed by either the Grizzlies organization or Priority Sports, the agency that represented him.
“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 Grizzlies said in a statement. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Representatives from Priority Sports shared their grief on social media, stating they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s passing.
“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also offered condolences to Clarke’s loved ones and the Memphis organization.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “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 commented on the loss, saying: “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”
Clarke faced legal issues earlier this year when he was taken into custody on April 1 in Arkansas on charges of speeding and possessing a controlled substance, identified as kratom, a legal herbal supplement used for pain management in Tennessee. He posted bond and was released the following day.
The basketball player entered the NBA when Oklahoma selected him 21st overall from Gonzaga University in the 2019 draft, though his rights were immediately traded to Memphis, which had already chosen guard Ja Morant as the second overall selection. Both Clarke and Morant earned spots on the NBA’s All-Rookie team in 2020, and Memphis rewarded Clarke with a multi-year contract extension in October 2022.
A significant setback occurred on March 3, 2023, when Clarke suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during a game against the Denver Nuggets, a matchup between the Western Conference’s top two teams at the time. Various injuries restricted his playing time to just 72 games out of a possible 246 over his final three seasons, with only two appearances this season.
Throughout his seven-year tenure with Memphis, Clarke maintained averages of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
