![\"PHOENIX,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4JOPCS0_AFP__20250214__2199497491__v4__HighRes__MemphisGrizzliesVPhoenixSuns_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nBrandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA game at Footprint Centre on February 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
\nPhoto: AFP \/ Getty Images \/ Christian Petersen\n<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, 29, has died, the NBA team has said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement that did not elaborate on Clarke’s cause of death.<\/p>\n
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”<\/p>\n
![\"Steven](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4JOP5KB_adams_on_clarke_png.jpeg\")
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\nSteven Adams paid tribute to Brandon Clarke with a post on Instagram.
\nPhoto: Instagram\n<\/p>\n
His management company, Priority Sports, said in a statement on Tuesday (US time) they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.<\/p>\n
“He was the gentlest soul, who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family,” the agency said.<\/p>\n
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”<\/p>\n
Clarke was the 21st overall selection in the 2019 NBA draft and earned all-rookie honours in his opening season.<\/p>\n
He inked a four-year, US$50 million (NZ$83.9m) contract extension with the Grizzlies in 2022.<\/p>\n
But he’d battled injuries in recent seasons. He played just six games in the 2023-24 season and after playing 64 games in 2024-25 Clarke played just two games this season because of calf and knee trouble.<\/p>\n
His death comes six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included possession of a controlled substance and fleeing in a vehicle while speeding.<\/p>\n
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