Brandon Clarke, the high-flying forward who spent his entire seven-season NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. He was 29.
Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed his passing Tuesday. A cause of death was not immediately released.
The death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose BSO can confirm.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Priority Sports said in a statement. “He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, 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. We love you, BC.”
Clarke was drafted 21st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 and immediately traded to the Grizzlies. He quickly became a fan favorite for his explosive athleticism and defensive versatility, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in his debut season. He was also named MVP of the 2019 NBA Summer League, leading the Grizzlies to the title.
Over 309 regular-season games, Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks while shooting 60.5% from the field. He started 50 games and appeared in 14 playoff contests, including a standout 2022 first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in which he averaged 12.3 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Injuries limited him in recent years. He played only two games in the 2025-26 season before being ruled out for the remainder with a right calf strain. He had previously missed time with a torn left Achilles in 2023 and a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee in 2025.
Born Sept. 19, 1996, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Clarke moved to Phoenix as a child. He starred at Gonzaga after transferring from San Jose State, earning West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors in 2018-19. He remained a dual Canadian-American citizen and had expressed interest in representing Canada internationally.
Clarke was known off the court for his kindness. Last September he donated $3,500 to a local elementary school’s literacy program, surprising second-graders on his 29th birthday.
The Grizzlies organization expressed its condolences in a statement Tuesday, mourning the loss of a “longtime forward” who left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.
