Brandon Clarke death mourned by NBA world: 'Heartbreaking'

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team and his sports agency announced Tuesday. He was 29 years old.

Clarke, who was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft after a decorated collegiate career at San Jose State and Gonzaga, played seven years for the Grizzlies. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 and averaged 20.8 minutes per game over 309 games in the NBA.

His last three seasons were largely impacted by injuries, but the Canadian-born forward was a crucial part of a Memphis roster that made multiple postseason appearances.

Brandon Clarke's death: NBA world with tributes and reactions

Here is what his agency, Priority Sports, announced:

“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone everyone who was part of his life.

Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.

We love you, BC.”

Priority Sports added that the family "asks for privacy as they grieve and make arrangements" following this tragic news.

The Grizzlies also released a statement:

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Clarke played his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver made a statement as well:

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. 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 organization."

Ja Morant mourns his longtime Memphis teammate

Ja Morant was heartbroken to hear the news of the death of his Memphis Grizzlies teammate Brandon Clarke. The two-time All-Star paid tribute to the forward on social media after the news of Clarke's passing broke. Morant shared a series of posts to his Instagram stories, expressing his appreciation for Clarke, who spent all seven seasons of his NBA career in Memphis with Morant. Both players were selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. — Victoria Hernandez

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Other players as well as teams and reporters around the league mourned the loss, too

The late NBA player launched the Brandon Clarke Foundation in 2025 to help families affected by tragedy in Memphis.

The foundation has since donated to ARise2Read, a non-profit organization focused on helping kids enhance their literacy skills outside the classroom.

He also hosted a holiday celebration at the Buckman Boys & Girls Club, where the foundation families were provided with food, gifts and games.