Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, his agency, Priority Sports, announced on May 12. He was 29 years old.
Clarke was acquired by the Grizzlies with the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies.
He played in only two games during the 2025-26 season. He missed the start as he recovered from a knee injury, and a December calf injury led to him missing the remainder of the season.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas on April 1 and charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and improper passing. He was released on bond a day later.
In 2025, he launched the Brandon Clarke Foundation, aiming to help families struck by tragedies, moms and others throughout Memphis. The foundation has since donated to ARise2Read, a non-profit organization focused on helping kids enhance their literacy skills outside the classroom. Clarke also hosted a holiday celebration at the Buckman Boys & Girls Club, where the foundation families were provided with food, gifts and games, and Clarke also made a donation.
“Every time I get to talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter,” Clarke said. “I couldn’t have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff.”
Before joining the Grizzlies, the Canadian big man spent his college career at San Jose State and Gonzaga.
Along with Ja Morant, Clarke was the longest tenured player on the Grizzlies.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
