Memphis Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Has Died Aged 29

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke sadly passed away on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 29 years old.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said in a statement.

"Brandon was an outstanding teammate and even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Clarke was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies just a couple of weeks later.

As a rookie during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season, Clarke established himself as key contributor to the team, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 58 games while making the NBA's All-Rookie Team and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

He spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies. Across 309 games, Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has led the tributes to Clarke, describing the Grizzlies forward as a 'leader who played the game with enormous passion'.

In a statement, he said: "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.

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

While Priority Sports, the agency that represented Clarke, said that it is 'just impossible to put into words how much he will be missed', in their own statement.

Clarke was a very active and respected member within the Memphis community. In 2025, he launched the Brandon Clarke Foundation to help families whose lives had been impacted by tragedy in the Memphis area. The foundation has since donated to ARise2Read, a non-profit organisation focused on helping kids enhance their literacy skills outside the classroom. Recently he celebrated his 29th birthday donating books and resources to a local elementary school.

At the time of writing, his cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Our thoughts are with Clarke's family and friends during this time.