Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at 29, the team announced Tuesday. In a statement on X, the Grizzlies expressed heartbreak, calling Clarke an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact will not be forgotten. The NBA also released a statement from Commissioner Adam Silver, who called Clarke a beloved teammate and leader.
Clarke, a first-round pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, was traded to the Grizzlies on draft night. He spent seven seasons in Memphis, primarily coming off the bench. He earned MVP honors in the 2019 Summer League and made the NBA All-Rookie team in 2020.
This past season, Clarke played just two games due to knee surgery and a calf strain. He was arrested in Arkansas in April on charges including possession of a controlled substance and fleeing. Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over 309 career games.