Memphis Grizzlies Forward Clarke Dies at 29
Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29. The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed, but authorities are reportedly investigating the possibility of a drug overdose.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 13:24
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 13:31 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 13, 2026 at 14:04 (32 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, 12th, comprehensive foreign report) The NBA's Memphis Grizzlies today issued a statement announcing that former forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at the age of 29. The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
According to reports from Reuters and AFP, the Grizzlies stated that Clarke's passing "fills us with sadness," calling him "an outstanding teammate and a remarkable person, whose impact on the team and the greater Memphis area will not be forgotten."
Clarke was born in Vancouver, Canada, and was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, then traded to the Grizzlies on draft night. He spent his entire professional career with the Grizzlies and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in his rookie season.
However, he suffered from knee and calf injuries during the 2025-26 season, playing only 2 games throughout the season.
Before entering the NBA, Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State University in California and Gonzaga University in Washington, becoming one of the most prominent forwards in the NCAA during the 2018-19 season.
Last month, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges including alleged possession and trafficking of controlled substances, illegal overtaking, and speeding to evade arrest.
NBC's local television station in Los Angeles quoted unnamed law enforcement sources as saying that paramedics received an emergency call yesterday and found Clarke's body at a residence in a San Fernando Valley suburb.
Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agent team provided the cause of death for the star player; however, according to the aforementioned television report, authorities are investigating the possibility of a drug overdose.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league was "shocked" by Clarke's death, describing him as "a beloved, leadership-oriented teammate who approached the game of basketball with great passion and perseverance."
Silver also expressed sympathy and condolences to Clarke's family, friends, and team.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant also posted multiple tributes to his teammate on social media platform Instagram (IG), including a photo of Clarke embracing Morant on the court.
Morant wrote: "This friendship goes beyond basketball." (Compiled by: Tsai Chia-min) 1150513
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(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, 12th, comprehensive foreign report) The NBA's Memphis Grizzlies today issued a statement announcing that former forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at the age of 29. The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
According to reports from Reuters and AFP, the Grizzlies stated that Clarke's passing "fills us with sadness," calling him "an outstanding teammate and a remarkable person, whose impact on the team and the greater Memphis area will not be forgotten."
Clarke was born in Vancouver, Canada, and was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, then traded to the Grizzlies on draft night. He spent his entire professional career with the Grizzlies and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in his rookie season.
However, he suffered from knee and calf injuries during the 2025-26 season, playing only 2 games throughout the season.
Before entering the NBA, Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State University in California and Gonzaga University in Washington, becoming one of the most prominent forwards in the NCAA during the 2018-19 season.
Last month, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges including alleged possession and trafficking of controlled substances, illegal overtaking, and speeding to evade arrest.
NBC's local television station in Los Angeles quoted unnamed law enforcement sources as saying that paramedics received an emergency call yesterday and found Clarke's body at a residence in a San Fernando Valley suburb.
Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agent team provided the cause of death for the star player; however, according to the aforementioned television report, authorities are investigating the possibility of a drug overdose.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league was "shocked" by Clarke's death, describing him as "a beloved, leadership-oriented teammate who approached the game of basketball with great passion and perseverance."
Silver also expressed sympathy and condolences to Clarke's family, friends, and team.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant also posted multiple tributes to his teammate on social media platform Instagram (IG), including a photo of Clarke embracing Morant on the court.
Morant wrote: "This friendship goes beyond basketball." (Compiled by: Tsai Chia-min) 1150513
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.