May 12 (Reuters) - Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA team said on Tuesday.
No cause of death was immediately announced.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Clarke, a Canadian forward born in Vancouver, was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft
by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to Memphis on draft night. He spent his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honours in 2020 after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in his debut season.
Knee and calf injuries limited him to just two appearances during the 2025-26 season.
Before entering the NBA, Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State and later at Gonzaga, where he emerged as one of the top forwards during the 2018-19 season.
Last month, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession and trafficking of a controlled substance, as well as improper passing and fleeing in a vehicle while speeding, according to authorities.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league was “devastated” by Clarke’s death, describing him as “a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization,” Silver added in a statement.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityEditing by Toby Davis)
