Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s passing at the age of 29 sent shockwaves across the NBA, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released his full autopsy report on Monday. A previous report from the medical examiner had stated that Clarke died of an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, and more details have now emerged.
According to USA Today, Clarke had cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and multiple other prescription medications in his system. His death has been attributed to the effects of heroin and cocaine, with the combined effects of his prescription medications being listed as contributing factors.
Notably, Kratom was also found in Clarke’s system. He had been arrested in Arkansas on April 1 on charges that included speeding, reckless driving, and possession of a controlled substance. That substance was claimed to be 235.6 grams of kratom.
This autopsy confirmed Clarke passed away on May 11. That day, his agent contacted his roommate at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time as he hadn’t been able to reach his client. This individual had just returned to their home in Woodland Hills in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and found Clarke unresponsive in his bedroom. A 911 call was made, but he was quickly pronounced dead.
Clarke’s death has been classified as an accident, with an investigation into his house finding no signs of foul play. Now, “vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medications, vitamins, and other medical evidence” were found in his bedroom and attached bathroom.
An “unknown powdery white substance” was also found on a plate in the kitchen along with a hotel keycard. Clarke’s roommate told officials that the big man had “a history of drug use with prior stints at a rehabilitation facility.” This is all just tragic.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had selected Clarke with the No. 21 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after a three-year college career at San Jose State and Gonzaga. The Thunder traded his rights to the Grizzlies soon after, and he’d spend his entire career in Memphis.
Clarke made the All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and proved to be a solid rotation piece for the Grizzlies. The 6’8″ forward earned a four-year, $50 million extension in Oct. 2022, but then tore his left Achilles in March 2023. He was out for just over a year, and the injury issues never quite went away after that.
Clarke played 64 games for the Grizzlies in 2024-25, but then suffered a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee in March 2025 that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. To make matters worse, it was then announced in September that he required an arthroscopic procedure to address right knee synovitis.
That led to Clarke missing the start of the 2025-26 campaign, and he only made his season debut on Dec. 17, 2025, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played in their next game against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 20 as well, but that proved to be the last time we saw him in the NBA.
Clarke suffered a Grade 2 right calf strain against the Wizards and missed the rest of the season. He had two points (1-2 FG), three rebounds, and one steal in his final game.
Clarke’s NBA career ended up lasting seven seasons, during which he averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Now, he had $12.5 million remaining on his contract, and it was initially reported that the Grizzlies would not pay that amount to his estate.
It was later revealed, however, that the contract was completely protected for death, and Clarke’s estate is expected to be paid the entire $12.5 million through life insurance.