Nationwide — Memphis Grizzlies ahead Brandon Clarke has died at 29 after being discovered at his California dwelling on Monday night. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, with early reviews suggesting a attainable overdose, whereas the official reason behind dying has not been confirmed.
Brandon Clarke was found at his residence shortly after 5 p.m., in line with WLBT. Officers haven’t launched a remaining reason behind dying, however early findings point out drug paraphernalia was current on the scene because the investigation continues.
The Memphis Grizzlies issued an announcement expressing grief over Clarke’s passing, saying, “We’re devastated to be taught of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of many longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and chief who performed the sport with huge ardour and grit. Our ideas and sympathies are with Brandon’s household, pals, and the Grizzlies group.”
Clarke entered the NBA in 2019 after being acquired by Memphis on draft night time. He went on to play 309 video games for the franchise, averaging 10.2 factors per sport throughout his profession and rapidly establishing himself as a gentle rotation participant.
In his early years, Clarke made a powerful impression, ending fourth in Rookie of the 12 months voting in 2020. He later obtained consideration for Sixth Man of the 12 months in 2022 after averaging over 10 factors and 5 rebounds off the bench throughout key playoff runs for Memphis.
His availability dropped in current seasons attributable to accidents. Throughout the 2025-26 season, he performed simply two video games earlier than the workforce dominated him out after a extreme PCL sprain in his proper knee, which occurred in a March sport in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers.
Clarke additionally confronted authorized hassle earlier this 12 months. On April 1, he was arrested on drug-related expenses following a police chase in Cross County, Arkansas, in line with authorities.
Memphis Mayor Paul Younger shared condolences, saying, “Brandon Clarke represented every part this metropolis loves: toughness, coronary heart, humility, and resilience. He performed the sport with pleasure, and gave our group a lot to be pleased with each on and off the courtroom. For thus many Memphians, the Grizzlies are household. And Brandon was part of that household. His impression reached far past basketball. Youngsters appeared as much as him. Followers believed in him. And this metropolis embraced him absolutely. On behalf of the Metropolis of Memphis, I wish to prolong my deepest prayers and condolences to Brandon’s household, his teammates, your complete Grizzlies group, and each fan hurting right now.”
