The NBA world is in mourning after Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passed away on Tuesday. The Grizzlies announced the heartbreaking news of the 29-year-old’s death in a social media post.
Clarke spent his entire NBA career in Memphis, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in 309 games after being a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
NBA World Sends Prayers to Brandon Clarke’s Family After Grizzlies Forward’s Tragic Death
As news of Clarke’s death broke, tributes started pouring in from the NBA world. The Grizzlies paid tribute to Clarke, noting that his impact on the organization and the city will never be forgotten.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” they wrote in a statement on social media. “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.”
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 12, 2026
Clarke’s Grizzlies teammate Jaylen Wells paid tribute to Clarke with a post on Instagram.
“Everything he’s went through in the time I’ve been in Memphis, he still came in with a smile on his face and was a light in the locker room, truly an inspiring person,” Wells wrote of Clarke. “Memphis won’t be the same without you RIP BC”
Jaylen Wells on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/MtLJM4ZkLs
— Grizzlies SZN (@Grizzlies_szn) May 12, 2026
Clarke’s agency Priority Sports released the following statement: “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. Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend 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. We love you, BC.”
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto offered thoughts and prayers to Clarke’s loved ones while detailing his career path during his seven-year spell with the Grizzlies.
“Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at 29 years old. Clarke was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and was an All-Rookie First Team selection. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in seven NBA seasons for Memphis. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones,” Scotto wrote.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at 29 years old. Clarke was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and was an All-Rookie First Team selection. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in seven NBA seasons for Memphis. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/QfpDw8Twdy
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 12, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal and former NBA point guard Patrick Beverley both reacted to the news.
“Damn man. RIP B CLARKE,” Beal wrote on X.
“Man 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 up to Brandon Clarke family. NBA is a brother hood 🙏🏾🙏🏾 damn,” Beverley added on X.
Sports broadcaster Oleksandr Proshuta also shared his heartbreak upon learning the news: “It can’t be real. RIP.”
It can’t be real.
— Oleksandr Proshuta (@alex_proshuta) May 12, 2026
Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole of the Commercial Appeal paid tribute to Clarke and who he was off the court.
“Really sad news out of Memphis. Brandon Clarke has died. He was 29. He was great with kids. He had just established his own foundation and was committed to pouring into the Memphis community. I went to two of those events. Keep his family in prayers,” Cole wrote on X.
Boston Celtics writer John Karalis also reacted to the heartbreaking news.
“This is such awful news … completely in shock,” he wrote.
This is such awful news … completely in shock https://t.co/whe7Ndko72
— John Karalis 🇬🇷 (@John_Karalis) May 12, 2026
Before being drafted into the NBA, Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga. The Vancouver native was named the WCC Defensive Player of the Year, WCC Newcomer of the Year, and was also included in the first-team All-WCC in 2019.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Clarke’s family and friends during this difficult time.
