Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died on Tuesday afternoon. He was 29 years old. ESPN reporter Shams Charania broke the news.
Clarke spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
From San Jose State to Gonzaga to the NBA
Clarke’s path to the NBA was marked by perseverance. He played two seasons at San Jose State with a broken three-point shot before transferring to Gonzaga. After sitting out a year, he flourished, setting the stage for his NBA career.
Injury-Plagued NBA Career
Clarke’s time in the league was frequently interrupted by injuries. He played only two games during the current season. His injuries included:
- A torn left Achilles tendon in March 2023
- A PCL sprain in his right knee in 2025
- A calf strain this season
- Knee synovitis just before the season began
Legal Troubles in Final Months
In his final month, Clarke faced legal challenges. He was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Fleeing and exceeding the speed limit
- Trafficking a controlled substance
The Grizzlies confirmed Clarke’s passing in a statement:
pic.twitter.com/RvDXJCxlWQ— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 12, 2026
Early Life and Legacy
Clarke was born in 1996 in Vancouver, Canada. His death has sent shockwaves through the Grizzlies organization and the NBA community. At this time, the cause of death has not been disclosed. This story will be updated as more details emerge.
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