The NBA is in mourning following the death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke at the age of 29.
Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, immediately provided any details about when, where, or how Clarke died. NBC Los Angeles reported that the LA Fire Department responded to a 911 call regarding a medical emergency after 5 p.m. local time on Monday.
Clarke was declared dead by paramedics upon arrival. Drug paraphernalia was discovered in the home, and the incident is now being investigated as a possible overdose. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of Clarke's death.
Tributes from the Grizzlies and NBA Community
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
His agents at Priority Sports wrote on social media that they were "beyond devastated" by Clarke's death. "He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched," they said. "He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed sympathies to Clarke's family and friends and the Grizzlies organization. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," Silver said. "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."
The National Basketball Players Association also released a statement: "This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball."
Recent Legal Troubles and Injury History
Clarke was arrested on April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, a herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that is legal to possess in Tennessee. He was released on bond a day later.
Clarke was selected as the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who had already taken guard Ja Morant at No. 2 overall. Clarke joined Morant on the NBA's All-Rookie team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multi-year contract extension in October 2022.
He tore his left Achilles tendon on March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets during a showdown of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries limited him to 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season. Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.
