Brandon Clarke, a professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA), has died at age 29. The team confirmed the news on May 1, 2026.
According to local media, Clarke was found dead at a home in California's San Fernando Valley after emergency responders answered a distress call. The cause of death has not been released.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better human being. His impact on our organization and the Memphis community will never be forgotten."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also expressed his condolences: "We are stunned by the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and a leader. He played with immense passion and resilience. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the team."
Clarke was born in Vancouver, Canada, and was selected 21st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 NBA Draft before being traded to Memphis on draft night. He spent his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020 after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in his debut season.
Injuries — including issues with his knee, calf, and Achilles tendon — limited his playing time in recent years. Clarke played only two games during the 2025-26 season. He tore his left Achilles tendon in March 2023 during a loss to the Denver Nuggets, an injury that sidelined him for 72 of the Grizzlies' 246 possible games over the next three seasons.
In October 2022, Clarke signed a multi-year contract extension with the Grizzlies. Over seven seasons with the team, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Clarke's death comes shortly after he was arrested in Arkansas on April 1, 2026, on charges of speeding and possession of a controlled substance. The substance was identified as kratom, a legal herbal product in Tennessee. He was released on bail the following day.
His agency, Priority Sports, shared: "We are completely devastated. Brandon was loved by everyone here and by everyone he touched in life. He was the gentlest soul, always the first to show up for friends and family."
