Memphis Grizzlies Forward Clarke Passes Away at 29

(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 Reuters and AFP reports, the Grizzlies stated that Clarke's passing "fills us with grief," calling him "an outstanding teammate and an amazing person, whose impact on the team and the greater Memphis area will not be forgotten."

Clarke was born in Vancouver, Canada. He was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and was subsequently 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 of suspected possession and trafficking of controlled substances, illegal overtaking, and fleeing from police while speeding.

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 the San Fernando Valley suburbs.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agent team provided the cause of death for the star player; however, according to the aforementioned TV station, authorities are investigating a possible drug overdose.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league was "shocked" by Clarke's death, describing him as "a beloved and charismatic teammate who approached the game of basketball with tremendous passion and determination."

Silver also extended his 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." (Compiler: Tsai Chia-min) 1150513

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