Tragic Loss for Memphis Grizzlies as Brandon Clarke Passes Away at 29
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has tragically died at the age of 29, as confirmed by his agency, Priority Sports. The cause of death remains unclear. Clarke was the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, initially selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Grizzlies shortly after. His agency released a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation: "We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here... Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates." Clarke made an immediate impact in the NBA, earning All-Rookie honors and becoming a key player for the Grizzlies. Over his seven-season career, he established himself as a tough, defensive-minded player, contributing significantly during Memphis' remarkable 2022 postseason run, where they won 56 regular-season games. Despite struggling with injuries in recent years, Clarke remained an integral part of the team’s core. His recent season was cut short due to a calf injury after playing only two games. In April, he faced legal issues, being arrested in Arkansas on multiple charges but was released on bond the next day. The Grizzlies expressed their sorrow, stating: "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." NBA commissioner Adam Silver also shared his condolences: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke... Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends and the Grizzlies organization." Clarke's collegiate career was equally impressive, starting at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga, where he became an All-American and showcased his talents by averaging 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks in his final year. His performance led to a surge in his draft stock, culminating in his selection by the Grizzlies.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-12