The Memphis Grizzlies announced the passing of Brandon Clarke at the age of 29 in a statement shared on social media Tuesday.
The team announced the player’s death in an Instagram message. While the Grizzlies did not disclose a cause of death, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) sources told ABC News he was discovered deceased Monday from a potential drug overdose. Narcotics were allegedly discovered on-scene and there were no signs of foul play, sources said. Law enforcement alleged that drug paraphernalia was discovered in the residence and authorities were investigating the incident as a potential drug overdose, NBC4 Los Angeles reported. Clarke began playing in the NBA in 2019.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke” the team said in an Instagram message.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the great Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
The team extended their deepest condolences to Clarke’s family and loved ones as they grieve this tragic loss.
Clarke kicked off his NBA career in 2019 after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was swiftly traded to Memphis, where he had remained. The Canadian-American forward received a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team amid his rookie season.
Priority Sports, the agency that represented Clarke, paid tribute to his kind spirit and loving nature.
“He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched,” they wrote in a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
“He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
They went on to say “Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
“Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement crediting Clarke’s incredible skill and passion for the sport.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke:
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved… pic.twitter.com/ZjxXtIycwl
— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2026
“As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit,” he wrote before sending sympathies to his loved ones.
Clarke’s college basketball career included two seasons with the San Jose State Spartans before moving over to Gonzaga, according to ABC News. (RELATED: REPORT: Hulk Hogan’s Former Accountant, Melissia Gauthreaux, Accused Of Embezzling Almost $1 Million)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 7: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of a preseason game at American Airlines Center on October 7, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
During his junior season, he became the first in West Coast Conference history to be honored in the same year by being named the West Coast Conference’s Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Funeral details have not been publicly shared.