Memphis Grizzlies veteran forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the team and his sports agency announced in separate statements released Tuesday, May 12. The cause of death has not been officially released, but according to NBC Los Angeles, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency at a home in the San Fernando Valley on Monday evening. Clarke's death comes almost six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.
Clarke had just finished his seventh NBA season, all of which he spent with the Grizzlies. He was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga and enjoyed initial success in the league, earning All-Rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Grizzlies and Priority Sports release statements on Clarke's death
The Grizzlies organization and Priority Sports, which represented Clarke, released separate statements expressing grief and offering condolences. Priority Sports described Clarke as "the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family."
"We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke," Priority Sports said in a statement. "He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life."
The Grizzlies also released a statement on Tuesday.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said. "We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also mourns Clarke
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging Clarke's contributions to the league and the Grizzlies.
"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. Our thoughts are with Brandon's family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization."
Clarke played all seven years of his career with Memphis after the Grizzlies acquired his draft rights from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a draft-day deal. He was originally selected by the Thunder with the 21st overall pick but was immediately traded to Memphis.
Clarke's career highlights
Clark entered the NBA in 2019 after a standout college career at Gonzaga and San Jose State. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, earning NBA All-Rookie Team honors. His best statistical season came in 2019-2020, when he averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting over 60 percent from the field.
Throughout his seven-year NBA tenure, Clarke was known for his high-energy play, defensive versatility, and ability to finish around the rim. He appeared in over 350 regular-season games for Memphis, becoming a staple of the Grizzlies' rotation and a fan favorite for his hustle and resilience.
Arrest in Arkansas prior to death
Clarke's death follows a legal incident six weeks earlier. In early April, he was arrested in Arkansas on charges including improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance. Details of the arrest and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
No further updates on the cause of death have been provided by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. Authorities have not released a timeline for the autopsy results.
The Grizzlies have not announced any memorial plans. The team is scheduled to begin its offseason program in the coming weeks, but it is unclear how Clarke's passing will affect those plans. The organization has said it will provide counseling and support for players and staff.
