Memphis Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA team and his agency confirmed on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The Grizzlies said in a statement that the organization was “heartbroken by the tragic loss” of Clarke, who spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the franchise after being drafted in 2019.

“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 team stated.

As reported by ESPN, law enforcement sources told ABC News that Clarke was found dead on Monday at a residence in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Authorities are reportedly investigating the death as a possible drug overdose after narcotics were allegedly discovered at the scene. Police said there were no immediate signs of foul play.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, publicly disclosed the cause of death.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver described Clarke as “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 said.

The National Basketball Players Association also paid tribute to Clarke, calling his death “an incredible loss for the brotherhood.”

Clarke entered the NBA after being selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his rights were traded to Memphis on draft night. He quickly became part of the Grizzlies’ young core alongside Ja Morant and earned NBA All-Rookie Team honors during the 2019-2020 season.

He averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds during his rookie campaign and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

Over seven seasons with Memphis, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds while becoming known for his energy and defensive intensity off the bench.

His career, however, was heavily impacted by injuries in recent years. Clarke suffered a torn Achilles tendon in March 2023 and later dealt with additional calf injuries that limited his appearances.

This season, he appeared in only two games before being sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

Yahoo! Sport reported that tributes continued across the NBA on Tuesday night, including a moment of silence before the Western Conference semifinal game between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Several players and teams also shared condolences on social media following the announcement of Clarke’s death.

Beyond basketball, Clarke had recently established a charitable foundation in Memphis and was known for his involvement in community outreach programs.

Before entering the NBA, Clarke played college basketball at Gonzaga after beginning his collegiate career at San José State. During his lone season at Gonzaga in 2018-2019, he averaged 16.9 points and helped lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament regional final.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few described Brandon Clarke as “one of the most easygoing players we have ever had” and praised both his character and leadership.

“Brandon was a spectacular player and competitor, and a phenomenal teammate to all,” Few said. “He was a true legend who will never be forgotten here at Gonzaga.”

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