Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, a former Gonzaga standout and seven-year NBA veteran, died on May 12, 2026, at age 29. Authorities are investigating the case as a possible overdose.
News of Brandon Clarke’s death shocked the NBA community. Fans, teammates, and league officials quickly shared tributes honoring the Grizzlies forward for both his talent and personality. The Memphis Grizzlies confirmed his death on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Reports stated that paramedics found Clarke unresponsive at his residence in California’s San Fernando Valley. Authorities also discovered drug paraphernalia at the scene. Investigators are treating the case as a possible overdose, while an autopsy will determine the official cause of death.
Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, described him as a caring and gentle person who always supported others. The Grizzlies also released a statement, calling him an outstanding teammate and an even better person. NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Clarke’s passion, leadership, and determination while offering condolences to his loved ones.
A career filled with promise
Brandon Clarke entered the NBA as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Memphis Grizzlies selected him after a standout college career.
Before arriving at Gonzaga, Clarke played for San Jose State. He later transferred and became one of college basketball’s most exciting forwards. During his final season, he averaged 16.9 points and led the conference with 3.2 blocks per game. He also guided Gonzaga to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Clarke scored in double figures in all four tournament games that year.
His rookie season in Memphis showed strong potential. Clarke averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 61.8% from the field. Those performances helped him finish fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
During the 2021-22 season, Clarke earned votes for Sixth Man of the Year because of his steady production off the bench. Memphis later rewarded him with a four-year, $52 million contract extension in 2022.
Injuries disrupted his progress
A series of injuries slowed Clarke’s career over the following years. His 2022-23 season ended after he tore his left Achilles tendon. The injury limited him to only six games the next season.
Later, a PCL injury sidelined him for the final 12 games of the 2024-25 regular season. Another knee injury required offseason surgery and delayed his return for the 2025-26 campaign. After appearing in only two games, a calf injury ended his season once again.
Despite the setbacks, Clarke remained one of Memphis’ longest-tenured players alongside Ja Morant. Both joined the Grizzlies as rookies in 2019 and developed a close bond over the years.
Morant later posted an emotional tribute on Instagram Stories. He shared photos with Clarke and wrote that the loss hurt deeply and meant far more than basketball.
Legal issues surfaced before his death
Clarke also faced legal trouble in April 2026 after Arkansas police arrested him on allegations of speeding, reckless driving, and possessing a controlled substance.
Reports stated that officers found more than 200 grams of kratom inside his vehicle. In Arkansas, the substance is illegal and can act as both a stimulant and a sedative. The DEA has also linked kratom to psychological and physical dependence.
After his release from jail, many expected Clarke to return to the Grizzlies for the following season.
Clarke is survived by his mother, Whitney, along with extended family members and close friends. His death marks a heartbreaking loss for the NBA community and everyone who knew him.
Source: Yahoo Sports, Athlon Sports
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