The Memphis Grizzlies and the wider basketball world are mourning the death of Brandon Clarke, a player known as much for his quiet character as for the relentless energy he brought to the court. He was 29.
Clarke was found dead on Monday at a home in the Los Angeles area. According to a person familiar with the ongoing investigation, emergency responders discovered drug paraphernalia at the scene. An autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.
Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, provided details about the cause.
“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,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.
Priority Sports said it was “beyond devastated.”
“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.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Clarke one of the Grizzlies’ most respected figures.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. 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.”
Clarke entered the NBA in 2019 after a standout season at Gonzaga University. Selected 21st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediately traded to Memphis, he became a key part of the Grizzlies’ young core alongside Ja Morant.
He finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 and earned All-Rookie honors. Over 309 NBA games, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds, carving out a reputation as an efficient scorer and one of the league’s most active frontcourt players.
At Gonzaga, Clarke averaged 16.9 points and helped lead one of the strongest teams in the school’s history.
“He had such a kind, gentle and warm soul, and I will remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him,” said Gonzaga coach Mark Few. “BC was one of the most easygoing players we have ever had, and he was part of one of the greatest teams in our program’s history.”
Off the court, Clarke had recently faced legal issues. On April 1, he was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding and possession of a controlled substance reportedly identified as kratom, a herbal supplement that has drawn growing scrutiny from health officials.
Injuries had also disrupted his career. A torn Achilles tendon in 2023 sidelined him for an extended period, and he appeared in only two games this season.
Despite those setbacks, Clarke remained a valued presence in Memphis. He was under contract through the 2026-27 season.
Morant summed up the loss in a brief Instagram tribute: “love you broski. gone way too soon.”
The National Basketball Players Association said Clarke would be remembered not only for his game, but for the relationships he built.
“This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”
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