The NBA has lost a radiant star. Brandon Clarke, who had been shining on the Memphis Grizzlies since 2019, tragically passed away on May 11th at the age of 29.
"We are devastated by the untimely loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies expressed in a heartfelt statement to E! News on May 12th. "Brandon was not only an outstanding teammate but also an exceptional human being whose impact on the organization and the Memphis community will endure forever." The team further conveyed their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency at a San Fernando Valley home shortly after 5 p.m. on May 11th, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. Upon arrival, paramedics declared Clarke deceased. Drug paraphernalia was found in the home, leading authorities to investigate the incident as a possible overdose.
In the wake of Clarke's passing, NBA commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute, calling him "one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies." "Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with immense passion and grit," Silver said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on May 12th. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization."
Meanwhile, Clarke's agency remembered the athlete as "the most supportive friend you could ever imagine." "We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke," Priority Sports said in a statement shared on Instagram on May 12th. "He was so loved by all of us here and by everyone whose life he touched. He was a gentle soul who was always there for his friends and family. Our hearts are deeply shattered as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates."
The company added, "He was so unique in the joy he brought to all those in his life. It's impossible to express how much he will be missed."
Clarke's journey to the NBA began at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he led his team to the Division I state championship game in 2015. He spent his first two years playing collegiate basketball at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga. Although he was originally selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick, Clarke was traded to Memphis in a draft-day deal in 2019. He signed a four-year $52 million extension with the Grizzlies in 2019, continuing his professional basketball career as the team's forward-center hybrid.
In March 2023, Clarke tore his Achilles Tendon but bounced back to play 64 games during the 2024-2025 season. However, due to calf and knee injuries, Clarke only appeared in two matches during the most recent 2025-2026 basketball season. One month before his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, possession of a controlled substance, and trafficking of a controlled substance. The case was still open at the time of Clarke's death, according to court records viewed by E! News. His arraignment was scheduled for May 15th.
