“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,” read a statement from the Grizzlies.
His agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated.”
“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” read the statement from Priority Sports. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots against Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Dec. 20, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. (Brandon Dill/AP Photo)
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed sympathies to Clarke’s family and friends and the Grizzlies organization.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “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.”
Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma City, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies.
He was fourth in the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year balloting — his Grizzlies teammate Ja Morant was the overwhelming winner of that award — and was 11th in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year voting for the 2021-22 season.
Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in 309 career NBA games.
He averaged 16.9 points in his one season at Gonzaga, transferring there after starting his college career at San José State. At Gonzaga, he was a huge part of a team that also had Rui Hachimura — now with the Los Angeles Lakers — and went 33-4.
“He had such a kind, gentle and warm soul, and I will remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him,” read a statement from Gonzaga and its coach, Mark Few. “BC was one of the most easygoing players we have ever had, and he was part of one of the greatest teams in our program’s history.”