Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29: No. 21 pick in 2019 NBA Draft spent seven seasons with Memphis

'He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life,' his agency said in a statement

By Jasmyn Wimbish

May 12, 2026 at 2:20 pm ET • 1 min read

- - -

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, his agency, Priority Sports,  announced Tuesday afternoon. The 29-year-old was the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft , initially selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded a couple weeks later to the Grizzlies.

> "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 who was part of his life," his agency said in a statement. "Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friends 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."

Clarke immediately made an impact when he entered the league, earning All-Rookie honors in his first year. He became one of Memphis' most important defensive players and an important offensive cog off the bench. Across seven seasons in the NBA , Clarke built a reputation as a tough, defensive-minded player, and someone who Memphis relied on in the years when they made the playoffs.

The Grizzlies released the following 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."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver echoed that: "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."

Before entering the league, Clarke played collegiate ball at San Jose State and Gonzaga.

This breaking news story will continue to be updated.

Join the Conversation comments

_Originally reported by [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grizzlies-brandon-clarke-dies-at-29/)._