Vancouver-born Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dead at 29

MEMPHIS — Vancouver-born NBA player Brandon Clarke has died at age 29, the Memphis Grizzlies confirmed Tuesday.

The Grizzlies did not provide a cause of death for the forward in their announcement on X.

Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that is legal to possess in Tennessee.

He was released on bond a day later.

“We are 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 organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”

Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant at No. 2 overall.

Clarke joined Morant on the NBA’s All-Rookie team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multiyear contract extension in October 2022.

He tore his left Achilles tendon March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a showdown of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries limited him to just 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season.

“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,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”

Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.

He had one more season left on his contract with Memphis and was due to earn US$12.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. But the Grizzlies are in the midst of another major roster rebuild, going 25-57 after trading away stars Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the past year.

— With files from The Associated Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2026.

The Canadian Press