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Brandon Clarke, the Canadian forward who played his entire NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died at the age of 29.
The team and Clarke’s agency confirmed his death in separate statements on Tuesday.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” read the Grizzlies’ statement, which did not cite a date or cause of death.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Vancouver native discusses his love for Canadian basketball players.
Clarke, who was born in Vancouver, was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant second overall.
Clarke joined Morant on the NBA’s All-Rookie team in 2020, and was one of four Canadians named to the world team that year.
“He’s just a special guy. He’s just got a different motor,” Morant told The Canadian Press at the time.
“He comes in on the floor, probably get a rebound, beat everybody down the floor and get a dunk. He just does whatever he can to help the team. Block shots, rebound, score, his signature floater in the middle where he just looks away then put his hand by the rim, just shoot it up.
“Just a great talent, man.”
In his own statement on Tuesday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league was “devastated” by Clarke’s death.
“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,” Silver wrote. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
The Grizzlies signed Clarke to a multiyear contract extension in 2022. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the team.
Clarke only played in two games during the 2025-26 season due to a right calf strain and surgery on his right knee.
On April 1, he was arrested in Cross County, Ark., on charges including speeding, improper passing and possession of a controlled substance. He was released from custody the following day, according to records from the Cross County Sheriff’s Office.
Cross County is about 85 kilometres west of Memphis. Clarke was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday, courthouse officials said.
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