Brandon Clarke Dies At 29: Grizzlies Mourn Loss Of Longtime Teammate

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at 29, with the team and agency Priority Sports confirming the news on social media on 12 May 2026. The statements did not disclose a cause of death or further circumstances, and no additional information is released so far.

The organisation expressed deep sorrow after the news became public. "Weare 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 organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten." The team also highlighted Clarke’s influence beyond the court.

Clarke entered the NBA as the 21st overall pick in the 2019 draft and spent his entire seven-year career with Memphis. Alongside Ja Morant, Clarke was the longest-tenured player on the Grizzlies roster, reflecting sustained trust from the franchise and a consistent role within the team structure.

Clarke’s debut season in 2019-20 was his most productive statistically, as he averaged career highs of 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. That campaign earned Clarke a place on the All-Rookie first team. Clarke then scored in double figures in each of his next five seasons, before his average dropped to 8.3 points across 64 games in 2024-25.

Knee and calf injuries limited Clarke heavily in the current season, restricting appearances to only two games. Over 309 regular-season games, Clarke posted career averages of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. Those numbers underlined a reliable rotation presence for Memphis across several playoff pushes and regular-season campaigns.

Reaction also came from the league office through NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. 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." The message reflected Clarke’s standing across the league.

Clarke’s death brings an abrupt end to a career spent entirely with one franchise and closely tied to the Memphis community. The combination of on-court reliability and off-court presence shaped Clarke’s profile within the Grizzlies and the NBA, while the absence of details on the cause leaves many unanswered questions for team-mates, supporters and league officials.