Brandon Clarke, a seven-year Grizzlies forward loved by teammates and the Memphis community, has died at 29.
Brandon Clarke, a seven-year Memphis Grizzlies forward who became one of the franchise’s most respected players, died on Monday at a home in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. He was 29 years old. LAPD sources confirmed Clarke was found dead from a possible drug overdose, with narcotics discovered at the scene and no evidence of foul play. The Grizzlies, the NBA and his agency Priority Sports all issued statements expressing shock and grief at his passing.
From Vancouver To Memphis: A Career Built The Hard Way
Clarke grew up in Vancouver before his family relocated to the United States during his childhood. He began his college career at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga for the 2018-19 season, where he averaged 16.9 points and led the Bulldogs to a 33-4 record and the NCAA Tournament regional final. He earned a place on the Wooden All-America team and won WCC Defensive Player of the Year, establishing himself as one of the most complete forwards in college basketball that season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder (1.57) selected him 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and traded his rights to Memphis two weeks later on draft night. Clarke never played for another franchise. He went on to win NBA Summer League MVP and Finals MVP before earning All-Rookie Team honours in 2019-20, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 58 games and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting behind teammate Ja Morant.
A Trusted Grizzlies Teammate Who Was Hampered By Injury
Clarke developed into a reliable and respected bench contributor as the Grizzlies grew into one of the Western Conference’s more competitive teams. The franchise rewarded his consistency with a four-year, $52 million contract extension in October 2022. Five months later, he tore his left Achilles tendon against the Denver Nuggets in a game between the top two teams in the Western Conference standings at the time.
That injury effectively derailed the second half of his career. He appeared in only six games the following season and managed just two appearances in 2025-26 after a calf injury kept him sidelined for most of the year. Injuries restricted him to 72 of a possible 246 games over his final three seasons. He finished his career with averages of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 games. Clarke was still under contract with Memphis for the 2026-27 season at the time of his death.
On 1 April, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding and possession of a controlled substance, reportedly identified as kratom, an herbal supplement that becomes illegal in Tennessee from 1 July. He was released on bond the following day. The case remained open at the time of his passing.
The Tributes That Followed
Morant led the public tributes from within the Grizzlies organisation, posting on Instagram: “This hurt BC. Love you, broski. Gone way too soon. It’s bigger than a basketball.”
The Grizzlies described Clarke as an outstanding teammate and an even better person, adding that his impact on the organisation and the broader Memphis community would not be forgotten. Clarke had celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school, which reflected how he engaged with the city throughout his time there.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Clarke a beloved teammate and leader who played with enormous passion. The National Basketball Players Association described his death as an incredible loss for the brotherhood, noting the genuine friendships he built beyond basketball.
Priority Sports, his agency, said it was impossible to put into words how much he would be missed. The San Antonio Spurs held a moment of silence before a playoff game on Tuesday, honouring Clarke alongside former NBA player Jason Collins, who also passed away that day.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few remembered Clarke simply: “He had such a kind, gentle and warm soul, and I will always remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him.”
