Nationwide — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at 29 after being found at his California home on Monday evening. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, with early reports suggesting a possible overdose, while the official cause of death has not been confirmed.
Brandon Clarke was discovered at his residence shortly after 5 p.m., according to WLBT. Officials have not released a final cause of death, but early findings indicate drug paraphernalia was present at the scene as the investigation continues.
The Memphis Grizzlies issued a statement expressing grief over Clarke’s passing, saying, “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.”
Clarke entered the NBA in 2019 after being acquired by Memphis on draft night. He went on to play 309 games for the franchise, averaging 10.2 points per game across his career and quickly establishing himself as a steady rotation player.
In his early years, Clarke made a strong impact, finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020. He later received consideration for Sixth Man of the Year in 2022 after averaging over 10 points and 5 rebounds off the bench during key playoff runs for Memphis.
His availability dropped in recent seasons due to injuries. During the 2025-26 season, he played just two games before the team ruled him out after a severe PCL sprain in his right knee, which happened in a March game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Clarke also faced legal trouble earlier this year. On April 1, he was arrested on drug-related charges following a police chase in Cross County, Arkansas, according to authorities.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young shared condolences, saying, “Brandon Clarke represented everything this city loves: toughness, heart, humility, and resilience. He played the game with joy, and gave our community so much to be proud of both on and off the court. For so many Memphians, the Grizzlies are family. And Brandon was a part of that family. His impact reached far beyond basketball. Kids looked up to him. Fans believed in him. And this city embraced him fully. On behalf of the City of Memphis, I want to extend my deepest prayers and condolences to Brandon’s family, his teammates, the entire Grizzlies organization, and every fan hurting today.”