Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, with no cause of death announced; his agency Priority Sports confirmed the news on social media.
- Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies after being drafted in the first round in 2019, though he played only two games in the 2025-26 season due to knee and calf injuries.
- The Grizzlies and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed deep condolences, highlighting Clarke's impact as a teammate, leader, and community figure.
- In April, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on multiple charges including drug trafficking and fleeing from law enforcement.
- Clarke had a notable college career at Gonzaga, earning third-team All-American honors in 2019 and contributing to the team's Elite Eight run; he was born in Vancouver, raised in Phoenix, and had expressed interest in playing for Team Canada internationally.