Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team, his agency and the NBA announced Tuesday. He was 29 years old.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, immediately provided details on when, where or how Clarke died. His agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

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Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance believed to be kratom, an herbal supplement touted as an alternative pain remedy that is legal to possess in Tennessee. He was released on bail a day later.

Clarke was Gonzaga’s 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by Oklahoma, ceding his rights to the Grizzlies, who were already taking guard Ja Morant at No. 2 overall. Clarke joined Morant on the NBA All-Rookie Team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multi-year contract extension in October 2022.

He tore his left Achilles tendon on March 3, 2023, during a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a matchup between the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries have limited him to just 72 games out of a possible 246 over the past three seasons, including just two this season. ___

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