Brandon Clarke, a forward for top team Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, has died at the age of 29.
His agency, Priority Sports, and the Grizzlies confirmed his death on Tuesday.
No official cause of death has been disclosed following his sudden passing on Monday.
In a statement posted on social media, the Grizzlies described Clarke as an important figure within the team and the Memphis community.
The club said: “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.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute to the late player.
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.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
Clarke was selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft before joining Memphis in a draft-night trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Canadian-born forward spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team during his debut campaign.
He featured in 323 career NBA games for Memphis.
Born in Vancouver, Canada, on September 19, 1996, Clarke later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of three.
He played college basketball at San Jose State University and later at Gonzaga University, where he earned Third Team All-American honours in 2019.
Before his death, Clarke endured an injury-hit 2025-26 season, missing all but two games due to multiple injuries.
He had also previously been arrested by the Cross County Sheriff’s Office after he was allegedly found in possession of 230 grams of kratom, a herbal extract classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Arkansas.
Kratom acts as a stimulant in lower doses and as pain and anxiety relief in higher doses.
