May 12 (UPI) — Memphis Grizzlies ahead Brandon Clarke has died, the NBA franchise introduced Tuesday.
The Grizzlies didn’t disclose Clarke’s reason for dying. He was 29.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies mentioned. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
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“We specific our deepest condolences to his household and love ones throughout this tough time.”
Clarke entered the league as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He appeared in 309 games for the Grizzlies, including two this season. He averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists over his seven-year NBA career.
Clarke missed the majority of his 2025-26 campaign due to knee and calf injuries.
The 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward starred at San Jose State and Gonzaga during his collegiate career. He earned first-team All-American honors in 2018-19, when he averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.9 assists per game at Gonzaga, who advanced to the Elite Eight that season.
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The Grizzlies signed Clarke to a four-year, $50 million contract extension in 2022.
“We are all past devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, wrote on social media. “He was so liked by all of us right here, and everybody whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the primary to be there for all of his family and friends.
“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 who was part of his life.
“Everyone liked BC as a result of he was at all times there as essentially the most supportive good friend you can ever think about. He was so distinctive within the pleasure he dropped at all of these in his life. It’s simply inconceivable to place into phrases how a lot he’ll be missed.”