Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies aged 29

The NBA world has been rocked by sudden passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke He was 29 years old.

Clarke’s death was announced by the Grizzlies and his agency, Priority Sports. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

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The Grizzlies said in a statement that they are ‘heartbroken by the tragic loss’ of Clarke.

“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the statement read.

“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Priority Sports added that it is “just impossible to put into words how much be will be missed,” in their own statement.

Clarke played college ball at San Jose State and Gonzaga University before being drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder traded Clarke to the Grizzlies two weeks later. He played seven years in Memphis.

Clarke emerged as a key contributor to the Grizzlies during the pandemic-shortened 2019-2020 season.

He averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 58 games, making the league’s All-Rookie Team and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

Primarily a valuable bench player early in his career in Memphis, Clarke signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the franchise in October 2022.

He suffered a season-ending torn achilles in March 2023, and appeared in only six games the following season.

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Clarke had been suffering from a calf injury that had kept him sidelined for most of the 2025-26 season, appearing in just two games.

“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 teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”

Clarke had a standout college career with San Jose State and Gonzaga.

In his only season in Gonzaga (2018-2019), he averaged 16.9 points and led them to the NCAA tournament regional final, being named to to the Wooden All-America team.

He was born in Vancouver before his family moved to the United States when he was a child.

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He was a very active member within the Memphis community, celebrating his 29th birthday donating books and resources to a local elementary school.

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