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Brandon Clarke, a 29-year-old forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has died, confirmed by his team and sports agency. He played for the Grizzlies for seven seasons, starting in 2019.
Brandon Clarke: What to know, from Grizzlies' start to cause of death
Brandon Clarke, 29, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has died, his team and sports agency confirmed on May 12.
Born in Vancouver, Clarke has played for the Memphis Grizzlies as a power forward for seven seasons, beginning in the 2019-2020 season. Both the Grizzlies and Priority Sports, Clarke's sports agency, 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."
Here's what we know about the former Memphis Grizzlies player and his death.
Local authorities told NBC 4 in Los Angeles that Clarke died in the San Fernando Valley, California. It was reported that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call about a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m. on May 11.
He was declared dead on the scene. The incident is being investigated as a possible overdose, according to NBC Los Angeles.
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 was also named to the all-defensive team in that sophomore campaign.
The cause of Brandon Clarke's death has not been publicly disclosed.
Brandon Clarke played for the Memphis Grizzlies for seven seasons, starting in the 2019-2020 season.
Both the Memphis Grizzlies and Clarke's sports agency, Priority Sports, released statements expressing their condolences and highlighting his impact on the team and community.
Brandon Clarke was born in Vancouver.

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Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Miami Heatâs Bam Adebayo (13) during a game on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliersâ Evan Mobley (4) on Friday, March. 14, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant embraces teammate Brandon Clarke as they take on the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) reacts with forward Brandon Clarke (left) after defeating the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) jumps to pass the ball as it bounces out of bounds during the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Jan. 15: The Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket while defended by the San Antonio Spurs' Charles Bassey (28) during the first half at Frost Bank Center.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clark is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a jumper over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a pass by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Jan 3, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies is charged with an offensive foul as he drives over Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) collides with Netsâ Noah Clowney (21) as he goes for a layup during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a lay-up during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at FedExForum. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves, 116-108.
Nov 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Wednesday, Nov. 06, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Dec 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) addresses members of the media during a press conference at FedExForum on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke celebrates teammate Jaren Jackson Jr's block against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke speaks during a press conference on media day on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at FedExForum for the Grizzlies home opener on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Mar 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) battle for the ball during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) attempts a lay-up against Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) and Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Memphis Grizzlies lead after the half against the Indiana Pacers, 73-58.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half of a game Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at FedExForum in Memphis. The Grizzlies defeated the Nets 134-124.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke catches a pass in front of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) from shooting the ball during the second half of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) jumps in the air to block Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) from passing the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 114-106, meaning they win the round 4-2.
Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) shoots a three-point field goal while being guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15), tying the score in the last few seconds of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) as he shoots the ball during the second half of a game Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 115-112.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball in pregame warmups before taking on the the Cleveland Cavaliers at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors forwards Andre Iguodala (9) and Nemanja Bjelica (8) at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks for the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) high fives fans after his team wins a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 118-114.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum.
Mar 3, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks past Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke splits the defense of Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, left, and center Isaiah Stewart at FedExForum on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams celebrate after getting a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Fedex Forum on Dec. 7, 2022 in Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke attempts a shot over Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels during their game at FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward JaMychal Green (0) in the first quarter Monday, April 19, 2021, at Ball Arena.
Apr 12, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard John Wall during their game at the FedExForum on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passes the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the FedExForum on Friday Jan. 8, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
Memphis Grizzliesforward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay defends during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, during a game against the Nuggets at FedExForum in downtown Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Matt Thomas (21) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) FedExForum on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke battles for a rebound with San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during a game against Minnesota Timberwolves at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke poses for portraits during the teamâs Media Day at the FedExForum downtown on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019.
Brandon Clarke from Gonzaga, right, greets NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019, at Barclays Center.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) and Cam Spencer (24) laugh and talk together on the bench during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones at FedExForum on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Houston Rocketsâ Jock Landale (2) during a game on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) sits on the bench during the game between the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) keeps hold of the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) and New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half of a game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell (0) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the first half of game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a shot over Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) walks onto the court for open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) screams with emotion after dunking the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game on Feb. 10, 2023 at the Fedex Forum in Memphis.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) runs on the court as he is introduced during open practice at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) and Brandon Clarke (15) react to a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Miami Heatâs Bam Adebayo (13) during a game on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Miami Heatâs Bam Adebayo (13) during a game on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliersâ Evan Mobley (4) on Friday, March. 14, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant embraces teammate Brandon Clarke as they take on the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
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Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) reacts with forward Brandon Clarke (left) after defeating the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) jumps to pass the ball as it bounces out of bounds during the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Jan. 15: The Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket while defended by the San Antonio Spurs' Charles Bassey (28) during the first half at Frost Bank Center.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clark is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
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Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a jumper over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a pass by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
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Jan 3, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies is charged with an offensive foul as he drives over Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) collides with Netsâ Noah Clowney (21) as he goes for a layup during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, December 13, 2024.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a lay-up during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at FedExForum. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves, 116-108.
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Nov 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Wednesday, Nov. 06, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Dec 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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Oct 30, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) addresses members of the media during a press conference at FedExForum on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke celebrates teammate Jaren Jackson Jr's block against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke speaks during a press conference on media day on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at FedExForum for the Grizzlies home opener on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
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Mar 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) battle for the ball during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) attempts a lay-up against Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) and Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Memphis Grizzlies lead after the half against the Indiana Pacers, 73-58.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half of a game Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at FedExForum in Memphis. The Grizzlies defeated the Nets 134-124.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke catches a pass in front of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
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Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) from shooting the ball during the second half of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) jumps in the air to block Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) from passing the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 114-106, meaning they win the round 4-2.
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Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) shoots a three-point field goal while being guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15), tying the score in the last few seconds of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) as he shoots the ball during the second half of a game Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 115-112.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball in pregame warmups before taking on the the Cleveland Cavaliers at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors forwards Andre Iguodala (9) and Nemanja Bjelica (8) at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
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January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks for the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) high fives fans after his team wins a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 118-114.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum.
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Mar 3, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks past Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke splits the defense of Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, left, and center Isaiah Stewart at FedExForum on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.
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The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams celebrate after getting a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Fedex Forum on Dec. 7, 2022 in Memphis.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke attempts a shot over Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels during their game at FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward JaMychal Green (0) in the first quarter Monday, April 19, 2021, at Ball Arena.
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Apr 12, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard John Wall during their game at the FedExForum on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passes the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the FedExForum on Friday Jan. 8, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzliesforward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay defends during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, during a game against the Nuggets at FedExForum in downtown Memphis.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Matt Thomas (21) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) FedExForum on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke battles for a rebound with San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during a game against Minnesota Timberwolves at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke poses for portraits during the teamâs Media Day at the FedExForum downtown on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019.
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Brandon Clarke from Gonzaga, right, greets NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019, at Barclays Center.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) and Cam Spencer (24) laugh and talk together on the bench during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones at FedExForum on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
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Memphis Grizzliesâ Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Houston Rocketsâ Jock Landale (2) during a game on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) sits on the bench during the game between the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, March 31, 2025.
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Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) keeps hold of the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) and New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half of a game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 19, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell (0) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the first half of game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a shot over Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) walks onto the court for open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
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The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) screams with emotion after dunking the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game on Feb. 10, 2023 at the Fedex Forum in Memphis.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) runs on the court as he is introduced during open practice at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
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Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) and Brandon Clarke (15) react to a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
Clarke then transferred to Gonzaga, where he redshirted during the 2017-18 season. In his junior year, he was named the 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.
Clarke has played his entire seven-year career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was initially drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 and was soon acquired by Memphis, where he began his rookie season.
Clarke, the No. 21 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft from Gonzaga, made an immediate impact with Memphis, earning all-rookie honors with career highs of 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. He signed a four-year, $50 million extension in 2022. However, recent injuries limited his playing time, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2023-24 and prior calf and knee issues.
Along with Ja Morant, Clarke was the longest tenured player on the Grizzlies.
In 2025, Brandon Clarke established the Brandon Clarke Foundation, serving as its chair, to help families affected by tragedies, mothers, and others in Memphis. The foundation has given money to ARise2Read, a group that supports kids' reading skills outside of school. Clarke also held a holiday party at the Buckman Boys & Girls Club, where families supported by the foundation received food, gifts, and games, and Clarke made a donation.
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal and Tennessee. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How did Brandon Clarke die? What happened to Memphis Grizzlies forward