Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies at 29
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Brandon Clarke, who spent seven NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died at the age of 29, his representatives at Priority Sports confirmed Friday.
The agency described Clarke as a compassionate teammate and friend who made a positive impact at every stage of his career, from high school through his professional tenure in Memphis. It also expressed condolences to his mother, Whitney, and to his family, friends and former teammates.
Memphis selected Clarke with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 draft. The Canadian-born forward immediately carved out a rotation role, earning First Team All-Rookie honors after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 2019-20. Over his first four seasons he posted averages of 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.3 minutes across 237 games, 29 of them starts.
Prior to the NBA, Clarke played collegiately at San José State and Gonzaga. He capped his final college season by being named West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year with the Bulldogs.
Injuries repeatedly interrupted his pro career. A torn left Achilles tendon in March 2023 sidelined him for the remainder of that season and most of 2023-24. He returned in 2024-25, appearing in a career-high 64 games at 18.9 minutes per contest before a right-knee PCL sprain ended that campaign in March 2025. Arthroscopic surgery on the same knee followed in September, and a subsequent calf strain limited him to two appearances in 2025-26.
Clarke finished with 309 regular-season games and 12 playoff outings for Memphis.
Details on the cause of death were not released. The Grizzlies and the NBA had yet to issue public statements at the time of publication.
Source: Hoops Rumors
