A new report has clarified the financial situation surrounding the final year of late Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke's contract, contradicting earlier information that his estate would not receive the remaining $12.5 million.
According to Kevin O'Connor, NBA sources confirmed that Clarke's contract was completely protected in the event of death, meaning the full $12.5 million is expected to be paid through life insurance.
An earlier report by Front Office Sports had indicated that Clarke's estate would not receive the money following his death in May. O'Connor's information directly disputes that claim and explains that Clarke's contract included additional protection specifically negotiated for such circumstances.
Under the arrangement, the Grizzlies reimbursed Clarke for life insurance that protected against the possibility of death. O'Connor noted that this is a customary approach across the NBA and provides one of the strongest forms of financial protection available to players.
The structure also carries tax advantages for the player, which is why such life-insurance arrangements can be preferable to having the remaining salary paid directly by the team.
As a result, although the payment is expected to come through insurance rather than directly from Memphis as salary, Clarke's $12.5 million remains fully protected and is expected to be paid in full.
Brandon Clarke's NBA career cut short at 29
Clarke died on May 11 at the age of 29. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later ruled his death accidental, caused by the combined effects of heroin and cocaine.
His death brought a sudden end to a seven-year NBA career spent entirely with Memphis. Selected with the No. 21 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft before being traded to the Grizzlies, Clarke quickly established himself as an athletic and efficient frontcourt contributor and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020.
Clarke finished his career averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 regular-season games. Injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2023, disrupted the later stages of his career and limited him to only two appearances during the 2025-26 season.