'Beyond devastated': Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke dies at 29

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team and his sports agency announced in separate statements released on Tuesday, May 12. He was 29 years old.

According to NBC Los Angeles, Clarke's death is currently being investigated as a possible overdose.

Clarke was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga and enjoyed initial success in the league, earning all-rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with Memphis in 2022.

Clarke's sudden death comes almost six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance. He had just finished his seventh NBA season, all of which he spent with the Grizzlies.

Clarke's career had been derailed in recent years by injuries. He played in just six games during the 2023-24 season due to a torn Achilles and missed all but two games this past season due to calf and knee ailments.

Clarke then allegedly led Cross County Sheriff's Office deputies on a miles-long chase on April 1, with speeds reaching over 100 miles per hour, and was found with over 230 grams of kratom in his possession, an arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal said.

The official cause of death is not known at this point.

What happened to Brandon Clarke?

According to NBC 4 in Los Angeles, Clarke's death is currently being investigated as a possible overdose.

Clarke died in the San Fernando Valley in California, local law enforcement authorities told NBC, according to a new report. Authorities told the outlet that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday, May 11.

Clarke was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived. According to the report, drug paraphernalia was found in the home and the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose.

What is Kratom drug?

Kratom is an herbal extract from a tree that grows in Southeast Asia, according to the Mayo Clinic. At low doses, Mayo Clinic said it acts as a stimulant. At higher doses, it has been reported to reduce pain and anxiety. Though it legal in some states, kratom is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Arkansas.

Grizzlies, Priority Sports release statements on Brandon Clarke death

The Grizzlies and Priority Sports have released statements in the wake of Clarke's death.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies 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. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

"We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke," Priority Sports said in its statement. "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. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life."

Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, reacts to Brandon Clarke death

Where did Brandon Clarke go to college?

• San Jose State (2015-17)
• Gonzaga (2017-18)

Clarke played his first two seasons of college ball at San Jose State. He was named Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year during his freshman season (2015-16), and was All-Mountain West first team during his sophomore year. He also was named to the all-defensive team in that sophomore campaign.

Clarke then transferred to Gonzaga, where he redshirted during the 2017-18 season. His junior year he was named West Coast Conference Newcomer of the year after playing in 37 games and averaging 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 3.2 blocks.

How old was Brandon Clarke?

Clarke was 29 years old. He was born on Sept. 19, 1996 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Brandon Clarke stats

Brandon Clarke played his entire seven-year career with the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing fourth in NBA Rookie of the Year voting after the 2019-20 season. Here are his general stats for all seven seasons:

• 2025-26: 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.0 steals in 2 games (2 starts)
• 2024-25: 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks in 64 games (18 starts)
• 2023-24: 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 blocks in 6 games (1 start)
• 2022-23: 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.7 blocks in 56 games (8 starts)
• 2021-22: 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks in 64 games (1 start)
• 2020-21: 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks in 59 games (16 starts)
• 2019-20: 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks in 58 games (4 starts)

Brandon Clarke draft

Clarke was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the No. 21 pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. The Thunder promptly traded Clarke to the Memphis Grizzlies for Darius Bazley and a future second-round draft pick.