MEMPHIS, TENN. (THECOUNT) — Brandon Clarke, veteran NBA forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has died at the age of 29, according to a statement released Tuesday by his agency.
Priority Sports announced Clarke’s death May 12 in a public statement posted to social media.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” the agency said in a statement released on X.
The agency described Clarke as “the gentlest soul” and remembered him as a supportive teammate, friend, and family member whose impact extended throughout every stage of his basketball career.
Priority Sports also extended condolences to Clarke’s mother, Whitney, as well as his family, friends, and teammates.
No cause of death has been publicly released.
Clarke played seven NBA seasons following a standout collegiate career at Gonzaga University and previously at San Jose State University.
The forward was selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after a highly productive season at Gonzaga.
He later signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in 2022.
During his NBA career, Clarke appeared in 309 games and averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest.
He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors during the 2019-20 season.
Clarke averaged a career-high 12.1 points per game while serving primarily in a sixth-man role early in his professional career.
He also finished fourth in NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
In recent seasons, Clarke battled significant injuries.
He missed most of the 2023-24 season after suffering a torn Achilles injury and appeared in only two games during the 2025-26 season because of calf and knee injuries.
The Memphis Grizzlies organization also released a statement following news of Clarke’s death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the team said.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Before reaching the NBA, Clarke developed into one of college basketball’s most respected forwards during his time at Gonzaga, where he became known for his defensive play, athleticism, and efficiency around the basket.
His professional career with Memphis made him a recognizable part of the franchise’s young core during several playoff seasons.
According to reports, Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas on allegations including improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing, exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.
No further details regarding that case were immediately available.
Additional information surrounding Clarke’s death has not yet been released.
Google Maps: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
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