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Brandon Clarke cause of death: What we know about passing of Grizzlies player

The NBA world got some unexpected, tragic news on Tuesday, as word of Memphis Grizzlies' power forward Brandon Clarke's death was revealed. He was 29 years old. The news was confirmed by Clarke's sports agency.

Though drafted with he 21st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, the former Gonzaga Bulldog played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, earning All-Rookie team honors in 2020 and Sixth Man of the Year consideration in 2022. He played in just two games for the Grizzlies during the 2025-26 season due to a right calf strain among other various injuries.

Clarke's death comes little more than a month after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.

More information is expected to become available in the coming days and weeks. Here's what we know currently about Clarke's passing.

Brandon Clarke cause of death

Clarke's death is currently being investigated as a possible overdose, reports NBC Los Angeles.

Citing authorities, the report states that drug paraphernalia was found in the home and that "the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose."

What happened with Brandon Clarke's arrest?

Clarke was arrested on April 1, 2026, following a mile-long chase reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour in Arkansas. When apprehended, Clarke was found with over 230 grams of kratom, per an arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Though kratom is a legal substance in some states, working as a stimulant in low doses and a pain reliever at higher doses, it is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Arkansas.

Social media reacts to Clarke's death

News of Clarke's death first started circulating late on Monday, May 11. However, it was not confirmed until the following day. The Memphis Grizzlies and reporters who had followed Clarke throughout his basketball career were the first to offer their condolences.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandon Clarke cause of death: Latest on Grizzlies player death

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Max Muncy hit another home run against the Giants

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 11: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Max Muncy hit a home run on Monday against the San Francisco Giants, which might have been expected. The Dodgers third baseman has been hitting the ball hard this season, among the best in baseball, and he already played three games this year against the Giants without hitting a home run.

One home run every four games or so is roughly the clip Muncy has battered the Giants throughout his career, now with 27 home runs in 98 career games against the Dodgers’ longtime rival. Among active players, only Nolan Arenado (34 homers in 156 games) and Paul Goldschmidt (32 home runs in 170 games) have hit more against San Francisco.

Going back 30 years, Todd Helton (29 homers in 230 games) is the only other player with more home runs against the Giants than Muncy.

Since the Dodgers and Giants moved west in 1958, Muncy has the third-most home runs against San Francisco:

  • Ron Cey: 34 HR in 163 games
  • Willie Davis: 29 HR in 225 games
  • Max Muncy: 27 HR in 97 games

Muncy with his 11 home runs this season has already passed Steve Garvey for sixth place on the all-time Dodgers home run list (against everybody, not just the Giants), and is now at 220 home runs since joining Los Angeles, only eight shy of Ron Cey for fifth place, and second place during the Los Angeles years.

A convenient seven of Muncy’s 11 home runs have been hit at home this season, giving him 127 career home runs at Dodger Stadium. That’s second-most in the ballpark’s history, only three behind Eric Karros.

Counting the postseason, Muncy is the most prolific home run hitter ever at Chavez Ravine, with 134 home runs to 132 for Karros.

Tuesday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Giants
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies forward and former first-round pick, dies at age 29

Brandon Clarke focuses upward as he shoots a free throw.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots a free throw during a game against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 19, 2024. (Brandon Dill / Associated Press)

Brandon Clarke, a former first-round draft pick who spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. He was 29.

His agency, Priority Sports, confirmed the news Tuesday on social media. No cause of death has been disclosed.

"Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine," the agency wrote. "He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It's just impossible to put into words how much he'll be missed. We love you, BC."

Born in Vancouver, Canada, Clarke played basketball at Desert Vista High in Phoenix, Ariz., before spending two years at San Jose State and one at Gonzaga. He was selected at No. 21 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2021 NBA draft but he was traded to the Grizzlies weeks later.

Read more:Kyle Loftis, street racing media pioneer who founded 1320Video, dies at 43

Clarke played in 309 games for Memphis but only two this past season because of injuries. Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds during his career.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “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.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement.

"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. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Timberwolves vs Spurs Props & NBA Playoffs Game 5 Best Bets

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Perhaps the basketball gods are about to strike at the San Antonio Spurs. Two additions to the “questionable” line on their injury report before Game 5 could throw this series further into chaos, certainly after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ comeback win in Game 4.

My Timberwolves vs. Spurs props and NBA picks expect Minnesota to ask more from its best player while San Antonio may need to shift tactics in Game 5 on Tuesday, May 12.

For more intel, check out my complete Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions.

Best Timberwolves vs Spurs props for Game 5

PlayerPickbet365
Timberwolves Anthony EdwardsOver 6.5 rebounds+122
Spurs Keldon JohnsonOver 8.5 points+102
Timberwolves Julius RandleUnder 3.5 assists+105

Game 5 Prop #1: Anthony Edwards Over 6.5 rebounds

+122 at bet365

There are a few ways to assess the possibility the San Antonio Spurs could be without Dylan Harper and/or De’Aaron Fox tonight. It is quite likely at least one plays — if not both — but in the regular season, a gameday downgrade on the injury report is quite a telling move. That bodes poorly for Harper’s likelihood.

Harper, in particular, has been excellent this series, snagging at least four rebounds in each game, averaging 5.5, and seeing increased minutes in close games. Without the physical rookie on the court, Anthony Edwards’ life would get a bit easier.

The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar already emphasizes the glass in the postseason. After finding 14 rebounds in 41 minutes in Game 3, Edwards tracked down six in 40 minutes in Game 4.

The plus-money value here is a delight, the perk of this prop climbing from 5.5 rebounds. If either Harper or Fox is sidelined, Edwards should be pestered a bit less when handling the ball, should have a touch more energy, and should have a few more opportunities on the glass.

Game 5 Prop #2: Keldon Johnson Over 8.5 points

+102 at bet365

On the San Antonio side of things, losing Harper’s offense would create an opportunity for some other reserve. And it is worth focusing on Harper’s injury compared to Fox’s simply because a knee injury is more worrying than an ankle injury — along with the timing of the respective questionable designations.

Keldon Johnson could fill some of the Harper hole, though Johnson has already cleared this prop in three of the four games of this series, even with Harper excelling.

Johnson played cautiously in Game 4, but a role player should always be expected to play better at home than on the road. Again, the plus-money value here is a delight, quite frankly, a surprising one.

Game 5 Prop #3: Julius Randle Under 3.5 assists

+105 at bet365

Julius Randle has yet to dish out four assists in a game in this series. In fact, he is averaging just 1.75 assists per game. This prop should not be double that average.

At some point, the Timberwolves may need to go away from Randle. He is not shooting well, he's turning the ball over too often — at least five times in three of the four games against the Spurs — and he is only adequate defensively.

If Minnesota wants to throw a wrinkle at San Antonio and Victor Wembanyama, an athletic lineup featuring Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels as the two bigs would certainly dial up the offensive pace.

Chris Finch has that personnel, and when he considers it, Randle’s workload could shrink further.

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Red Sox News & Links: Giving thanks for rookie starters

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 13: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox during a workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 13, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Red Sox and Phillies have had similar starts to the season: they’re two big ballclubs with big aspirations who both immediately fell on their faces, prompting two managerial firings. And while the Phillies have done a better job righting the ship under their new skipper than the Sox have, they’ll both share some history tonight, as it’s the first time in 22 years that two teams with new managers will face off this early in the season. (Thomas Harrigan, MLB.com)

That’s not exactly the type of history teams generally want to make, so here’s some more, slightly better history. When the Sox rolled out five straight left-handed starters last week, it was the first time they had done so since 2018. They’ve also had more games started by rookies this year (14) than any other team and, for the most part, those rookie hurlers have come through. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)

Could the Sox have another lefty rookie pitcher a few years down the line who not only follows in the footsteps of Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, but does so as a local kid made good? With the 20th pick in next month’s MLB draft, the Sox could be in line to select Bishop Feehan’s Brody Bumila, a 6-9 lefty who already throws 100 MPH heat. (Hayden Bird, Boston.com)

The success of the rookie Red Sox pitchers points to a well-functioning minor league system. But that system received a shock with the Alex Cora firing and the subsequent coaching staff shuffle, and that hasn’t been easy for the organization to deal with. “There’s times when change happens and you kind of see it coming,” said Portland Sea Dogs coach Kyle Sasala. “None of us saw this coming. I woke up one day and was defensive coach. Next day, I was the manager.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)

Speaking of things no one sees coming, is Trevor Story poised to turn his season around? “It’s only a matter of time,” says the veteran shortstop. (Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald)

As Story’s 2025 season reminds us, it’s helpful to have patience in baseball. But can we all be as patient as David Ortiz, who waited nearly 20 years to get revenge on Joe West for calling him ugly?

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The takes, they were hot. Let’s talk about them

May 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) watches the ball after hitting a solo home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

It was a while back when I posted something in the Feed asking for your hot takes for the rest of the Phillies season.

In the middle of a supremely cold streak is not usually the time to hope for optimism and joy, so naturally a lot of the responses were of the negative variety. Still, it was awesome that so many of you decided to partake, so let’s go through a few of them and talk about them.

In the weeks since the post was put up, Harper has hit .315/.415/.667 with five home runs, 14 runs batted in over 65 plate appearances. He is currently 11th in baseball with a 159 wRC+, 11th with a .405 wOBA, all while doing with so with a pedestrian .279 BABIP. The parameters for what makes one “elite” in the game today likely combine some offense and defense, an issue for a player like Harper that the defensive metrics mostly agree is having a down season to this point. Yet if there was someone on the team that I would consider affixing that label to, Harper is near the top of that list.

Nola? Well, I’m not sure a sub-3.50 ERA is near his future, but getting it under 4 at this point would be a feat unto itself. Crawford was never going to be an All-Star for the National League this season, let alone the starting option.

It’s the Aidan Miller part of this take that caught my eye. Trading him this season is likely off the table. First of all, he’s injured with a mysterious back injury, which torpedoes any value the team might think they could get back in a trade in the first place. Second, he’s still an important part of this team’s future once they are able to get him back onto the field. Without knowing what is going on specifically, it’s hard to determine what that future actually looks like. The team has been hesitant to say out loud what the specific injury is, citing potential HIPAA violations, which leads to speculation. That kind of speculation can be dangerous. Amongst the TGP writing staff, the name “David Wright” is getting bandied about, and not in the good sense. So while there is the theoretical idea that Miller could be moved for something at the trade deadline, the plain truth is that the team isn’t going to do that.

Woooo baby. It’s only fair to link the rest of the post here, too large for a single screenshot to take care of it, but I can also throw it in in another picture for you.

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks here.

Bryce Harper isn’t getting traded by the team. Not now, not ever. Do whatever it is you need to do to flag this, but he’s not going anywhere. Any trade idea that includes his name is just not worth the time. From the reasoning that was taken here, the idea was to do something that would shake up the clubhouse in the midst of a long losing streak, a streak that has since been broken with the assistance of Harper himself.

Now, to the broader idea of shaking up the clubhouse if the team does not advance far enough in the potential postseason, that’s still a viable idea. At some point, the front office is going to have to acknowledge that the group they have assembled needs a refresh, that new faces need to be included. Thus far, Crawford and Andrew Painter have added to that mix, but maybe they will see that something new is indeed necessary. Aidan Miller is theoretically ready to take over for Bohm, but the rest of the roster, as has been written over and over and over, really can’t go anywhere else. Their contracts have sort of anchored them to this team. Would it require creativity? Sure, but that’s why front offices are paid what they are paid.

Here’s another one.

Adolis Garcia.

Where to begin? Is he good or is he not good? Is he part of the team’s future, or is he part of the ever growing list of right fielders that are taking up the space for the Phillies? He’s been a godsend in the outfield for the team, particularly when compared the stone footed Nick Castellanos, but the bat has been lacking. There are some good under the hood things happening – getting his walk rate back in line, hitting the ball very hard – but it hasn’t resulted in extra base power that the team was hoping he’d find again. There is next to no chance the team moves away from him this season as there isn’t much of anything viable enough to replace him at the moment.

He’s just been….fine. Nothing more, nothing less. Do we wish there was improvement? Of course we do. We’re almost 200 plate appearances into the season though. Is that leap coming? Not quite sure that it is.

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Flyers, Owen Tippett Share Gruesome Injury Update; Surgery Not Needed Yet

The Philadelphia Flyers had Owen Tippett available, albeit at less than 100%, for the entire first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then, he dubiously sat out all of the second round, despite skating with the team.

On Tuesday, Tippett and the Flyers came forward with a statement explaining the circumstances of the injuries, and full marks to Tippett for dealing with this like a true pro.

On top of Tippett playing through a sports hernia, as revealed officially in the statement, the 27-year-old also revealed that he attempted to come back and play through some internal bleeding, though he was unable to do so safely.

Here's the full statement from Tippett and the Flyers:

"I was unable to return for the second round series vs. Carolina Hurricanes due to an internal bleeding issue that I sustained during the first round series vs. Pittsburgh.

"Following a series of medical evaluations, treatments, and rehabilitation under the care of the Flyers medical team, I am making progress and feeling better each day. Despite being cleared to travel and skate with the team at certain practices, things did not progress at a pace that I hoped for or would allow me to safely continue playing.

NHL Insider Cautions Flyers Against Matvei Michkov Trade: 'You Can't Find Guys Like This'NHL Insider Cautions Flyers Against Matvei Michkov Trade: 'You Can't Find Guys Like This'NHL insider Elliotte Friedman likens the current Philadelphia Flyers saga with Matvei Michkov to the controversial Cutter Gauthier debacle from just a few years ago.

"I am beyond proud of what our team has accomplished this season and truly moved by the tremendous support of the fans.

"I want to sincerely thank everyone for that support -- both personally for me and my family, as well as our entire medical and performance staff.

"I am confident for a full recovery and look forward to returning for training camp in September and an exciting year ahead for this organization."

The Flyers winger shared at his exit interview later Tuesday that he is not yet certain if he'll need surgery, which is always a good sign he'll be good to go for training camp.

If Tippett's injuries were more severe, that determination would be easier to come to and would likely take place sooner, all things considered.

As exit interviews progress, the Flyers will have more to share on other injured players, like Rodrigo Abols, Tyson Foerster, Christian Dvorak, and Nikita Grebenkin, now that Tippett has pulled back the curtain on his own situation.

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MLB players, owners start collective bargaining, 7 1/2 months ahead of contract’s expiration

NEW YORK — Negotiators for baseball players and owners began what figures to be lengthy and acrimonious collective bargaining negotiations Tuesday to replace their labor contract that expires Dec. 1, with management likely to propose a salary cap system the union has vowed never to accept.

An initial session of about two hours took place at the office of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a five-minute walk from Major League Baseball’s headquarters in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. The meeting lasted about two hours and was scheduled for initial presentations from each side on their view of the sport and its economics. No proposals were made.

Players who attended included Mets infielder Marcus Semien, a member of the union’s eight-man executive subcommittee, along with Mets teammates Clay Holmes and Austin Slater, a person familiar with the session told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the attendees were not announced. Additional players joined via video conference.

The sport’s five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1, and baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has said repeatedly that management prefers offseason lockouts to in-season strikes, aiming to prevent the loss of regular-season games. Baseball has not lost regular-season games to a work stoppage since a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that caused the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years.

Talks for the last agreement began in April 2021 and ended with a deal on March 10, 2022 that preserved the 162-game schedule only after the sides bargained past several deadlines and Manfred announced the cancellation of 184 games, which were restored.

Bruce Meyer will lead negotiations for the union, as he did in 2021-22, but in his new role as interim union head. He moved up from deputy director in February after the forced resignation of Tony Clark, a former All-Star first baseman who took over following the death of Michael Weiner in 2013.

Deputy commissioner Dan Halem heads MLB’s negotiations team, as he did in talks for the previous two agreements.

Some major league owners have said a salary cap system that also contains a floor is needed and would improve the sport. MLB, unlike the NFL, NBA and NHL, has not had a cap system, but since 2003 has had a luxury tax designed to slow spending.

“When I talk to the players, I don’t try to convince them that a salary cap system would be a good thing,” Manfred told the Baseball Writers’ Association of America last summer. “I identify a problem in the media business and explain to them that owners need to change to address that problem. I then identify a second problem that we need to work together and that is that there are fans in a lot of our markets who feel like we have a competitive balance problem.”

Restraints had not appeared to have had much impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets in recent years. The Dodgers shattered MLB’s spending records with a combined $515 million in payroll and luxury tax last year en route to their second straight World Series title, according to final figures compiled by the commissioner’s office, and Los Angeles is projected for the highest total again in 2026. The ratio of the five highest spenders to the five lowest increased from 3.6 in 2021 to a record-high 4.7 last year.

The union maintains a cap system decreases spending on players, while management argues a cap and a floor would benefit most players.

Players increased their potential war chest of cash and investments ahead of collective bargaining to $415 million heading into 2026. MLB also has been accumulating cash ahead of bargaining, about $75 million per club in withheld central fund distributions.

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2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 2, Game 5 – Ducks vs. Golden Knights Gameday Preview (05/12/26)

Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger speaks to the media after their morning skate at T-Mobile Arena.

It's now a best of three as the Ducks and Golden Knights enter Game 5 of the series tied at two wins apiece. The Ducks responded well to a slow start in Game 3, scoring first in Game 4 and never relinquishing the lead.

“Better start,” Chris Kreider said of their Game 4 approach. “I think we got through the neutral zone, got pucks behind them, and then turned.”

“We want to make sure that we're ready from the start,” Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said. “They're a good starting team. They're good with the lead. I thought we did a good job of scoring early last game and not giving (the lead) up. When I say giving it up, not letting them get it. So we'll try to emphasize the importance of tonight's start and expect rising to the next challenge of another battle."

May 10, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks face off against Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
May 10, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks face off against Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Mason McTavish was re-inserted into the lineup for Game 4 after being a healthy scratch in Games 2 and 3. Though he didn't record a point, his line of Ryan Poehling and Cutter Gauthier was among the best, analytically, in Game 4. Gauthier recorded three assists, with two of them coming on the power play.

"He's been awesome," Gauthier said of McTavish after Game 4. "Throughout these playoffs, he's just been a player who keeps his head down and just works really hard. Definitely a heartbeat of our line with me and Poehls. Tonight, I thought he played a great game, getting on the inside, getting in front of the goalie's eyes, making life difficult for the defensemen. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but it definitely doesn't go unnoticed."

"Played great," Kreider said. "Tenacious, hard on pucks. (He) wanted to have an impact on the game and he did, so it was great."

"I thought he had a heck of a game," Quenneville said. "I really liked his attitude coming into the game. Not easy for him not to be in the lineup and then play the way he did, (it) shows character. He wanted to be a big part of it and he was in a lot of ways. Not just power play, but I thought he played a real solid game."

May 10, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
May 10, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Defenseman Radko Gudas was a game-time decision for Game 4, but did not play. Quenneville said that Gudas is out for Game 5 as well. Troy Terry will play in Game 5 despite missing the morning skate, though that's been the norm during this playoff run.

With Gudas out, Olen Zellweger and Ian Moore will once again slot in as the third defensive pair. Both Zellweger and Moore were inserted into the lineup for Game 4, with Tyson Hinds being a healthy scratch. Moore scored Anaheim's fourth goal, which ended up being the game-winner. Zellweger had the primary assist on the goal.

"We read off each other well," Zellweger said of his partnership with Moore. "I thought we worked together well. Just playing those situations right and giving the team stability defensively. And then when we get the opportunities, being confident, jumping in the play."

Mark Stone, who left Game 3 early in the first period with a lower-body injury, will not be in the lineup for the Golden Knights once again. Brandon Saad will play in his second consecutive game after entering the lineup for Stone in Game 4.

Ducks Projected Lines

Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Troy Terry
Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke
Mason McTavish - Ryan Poehling - Cutter Gauthier
Ross Johnston - Tim Washe - Jeff Viel

Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - John Carlson
Olen Zellweger - Ian Moore

Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)

Golden Knights Projected Lines

Ivan Barbashev - Jack Eichel - Pavel Dorofeyev
Brett Howden - William Karlsson - Mitch Marner
Brandon Saad - Tomáš Hertl - Colton Sissons
Cole Smith - Nic Dowd - Keegan Kolesar

Brayden McNabb - Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin - Rasmus Andersson
Ben Hutton - Dylan Coghlan

Carter Hart (confirmed)

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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 said Tuesday. He was 29.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, provided any details about when, where or how Clarke died.

“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," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

His agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

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.”

The National Basketball Players Association said: “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”

Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that becomes illegal in Tennessee as of July 1. He was released on bond a day later.

Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant second overall. Clarke joined Morant on the NBA's All-Rookie team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multiyear contract extension in October 2022.

He tore his left Achilles tendon March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a showdown of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries limited him to 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season.

Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.

He had one more season left on his contract with Memphis and was due to earn $12.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. But the Grizzlies are in the midst of another major roster rebuild after going 25-57 after trading away stars Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the past year.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

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Astros Minor League Hotlist: May 12th

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 09: Ethan Frey (12) of the Houston Astros fields his position in center field during a spring training practice game on March 09, 2026 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Who’s Hot At The Plate?

Xavier Neyens – Neyens, the Astros first round pick last year, put together another big week. In 5 games he hit .333 with one home run and an impressive 9 walks to just 3 strikeouts. Neyens has a .985 OPS this season so far.

Nehomar Ochoa – Ochoa is truly having a bounce back year. He had a monster week hitting .545 with 3 doubles, a home run and 4 runs batted in. Playing the best ball of his career, Ochoa is hitting .326 with a .906 OPS over 26 games.

Jason Schiavone – Schiavone has been on an absolute tear. After being on this list last week, he is here again. In six games in Asheville this week, Schiavone hit .400 with 2 doubles, 4 home runs and an OPS of 1.671. He has 15 home runs this season.

Ethan Frey – Frey was a favorite as a prospect who was going to fly up the system but he got off to a slow start. This was a strong week for him though as he hit .391 with 2 home runs, 6 runs batted in and drew 5 walks for Asheville.

Caden Powell– Powell also got off to a slow start but put together a monster week. In four games for Asheville, Powell hit .563 with a double, a home run and 5 runs batted in. Powell is hitting .277 through 24 games this season.

Kyle Walker – Walker also had a big week for Asheville. The 23-year-old played in five games last week and hit .389 with 3 doubles, a home run and 5 runs batted in. He’s hitting .293 through 22 games this season.

Who’s Hot On The Mound?

Ryan Verdugo – Verdugo was drafted in the 12th round of the 2024 draft, and the right-hander turned in his best pro outing this week. In his one start for the Woodpeckers, he tossed 5 no-hit innings while striking out 5 batters.

James Hicks – Hicks has been a bit up and down this year, but this week was a good outing for him. Hicks made one start for the Hooks and went 6 innings allowing 2 runs while striking out 6. He has a 4.55 ERA this season.

Javier Perez – Perez has been one of the best pitchers in the Astros system this season and this week he had a nice start for the Woodpeckers allowing 2 runs over 6 innings. Overall he has a 2.73 ERA with 35 K in 29.2 innings.

Luis Rodriguez – Rodriguez was acquired a couple of years ago in the Julks trade and has been a pleasant surprise. This week in his one outing for Asheville he went 5 innings allowing 2 runs with 4 strikeouts. He has 22 K in 21.2 innings.

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land – From 3.84 ERA to 4.33 ERA – From .700 OPS to .708 OPS

Corpus Christi – From 4.48 ERA to 4.90 ERA – From .691 OPS to .703 OPS

Asheville – From 6.92 ERA to 7.75 ERA – From .719 OPS to .770 OPS

Fayetteville – From 5.06 ERA to 4.98 ERA – From .735 OPS to .730 OPS

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How Game 4 revealed one urgent need for the Lakers this offseason

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 11: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round Two Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With the season on the brink of extinction, the Thunder put the Lakers out of their misery in Game 4 and advanced to the conference finals.

LA put up another valiant effort Monday, even nursing a one-point lead with 40 seconds remaining, but it wasn’t enough. OKC completed the sweep and bounced the purple and gold into the summer.

It’s one thing to lose all four matchups in the regular season, where game plans and lineups get adjusted by the hour. It’s another to stand side by side with the best team in the league and measure the difference.

Those measurements came up immensely short, even after accounting for superstar Luka Dončić missing the entire series. While the result revealed the Lakers have a multitude of issues to resolve, none is more pressing than finding their franchise center.

Backup center Jaxson Hayes’ strong performance in Game 4 lends a blueprint to what the focus should be.

As he’s done on numerous occasions this season, Hayes closed the game and played more minutes than starter Deandre Ayton. Hayes had his best game of the series with 18 points, five rebounds, and a block in 27 minutes.

It’s no coincidence the Lakers had their shot to win when their best athlete had his most productive game, especially coming from the center position. Hayes is one of the few — and maybe the only — Lakers players who can overpower his matchup with pure above-the-rim athleticism.

Watch below as he sets a wide pin down for Austin Reaves with LeBron James as the entry passer. It sets up the empty side action, with Reaves quickly throwing up the lob to where only Hayes can reach.

The runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, Chet Holmgren, comes to contest, but it has no impact as Hayes finishes the thunderous dunk over the top.

Late in the third quarter, the Lakers ran their Finland action. Watch as Luke Kennard comes off the final screen of the play and finds Hayes rolling with the pocket pass. Holmgren once again comes over to recover, but Hayes has already gathered onto his trampoline.

The monster finish at the basket put the Lakers up by one. Hayes used his pogo stick bounce to finish four dunks on Monday.

Vertical spacing and an almost infinite catch radius will be essential skill sets for pairing with heavy pick-and-roll guards this summer. Luka and Reaves led the league as a duo in pick and rolls ran per game this season.

In addition to the dunk fest, Hayes leveraged his athletic prowess to grab three offensive rebounds, including one massive tip-in putback to end the third quarter.

On the defensive end, his lateral quickness on the perimeter fit into head coach JJ Redick’s switch-heavy defensive style, while still being able to block shots at the rim, as seen in the play below.

Ajay Mitchell pushes it in transition and gets it swatted while the Lakers get a basket from LeBron on a leak-out pass.

While he contains many of the skills LA will need in its franchise center, Hayes was on a $3.5 million deal this season. He may return to the team in a backup role once again, but he can’t be relied on as a starting center going forward and he still carries a shaky playoff history.

The center opposite the Lakers in this series was Isaiah Hartenstein, who is making $29 million this season. Their other main big is Holmgren, who just signed a $250 million extension last summer.

Canvassing the other playoff teams remaining, they all have a center making close to max money, or soon to be, with players such as Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs and Jalen Duren of the Pistons.

Finding the permanent solution at center should be at the top of the to-do list this summer. If they don’t, they will find themselves right back in this position again next season.

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu

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Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke dies at 29

2025-26 Memphis Grizzlies Media Day

MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 23: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the City Edition jersey shoot on September 23, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Brandon Clarke, the 29-year-old forward who played the past seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died, his agency, Priority Sports, announced.

The Memphis Grizzlies confirmed the news and released this statement:

"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."

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in his statement. "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."

No cause of death has been announced.

Clarke played his college ball first at San Jose State and then at Gonzaga, and was drafted No. 21 by the Grizzlies. Clark played all seven of his NBA seasons in Memphis, making the All-Rookie team in 2020 and averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game, and was a career 60.5% shooter. He only played in two games this past season, primarily due to a calf injury.

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Brandon Clarke death mourned by NBA world: 'Heartbreaking'

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team and his sports agency announced Tuesday. He was 29 years old.

Clarke, who was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft after a decorated collegiate career at San Jose State and Gonzaga, played seven years for the Grizzlies. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 and averaged 20.8 minutes per game over 309 games in the NBA.

His last three seasons were largely impacted by injuries, but the Canadian-born forward was a crucial part of a Memphis roster that made multiple postseason appearances.

Brandon Clarke's death: NBA world with tributes and reactions

Here is what his agency, Priority Sports, announced:

“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone everyone who was part of his life.

Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.

We love you, BC.”

Priority Sports added that the family "asks for privacy as they grieve and make arrangements" following this tragic news.

The Grizzlies also released a statement:

"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."

Clarke played his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver made a statement as well:

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. 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."

Ja Morant mourns his longtime Memphis teammate

Ja Morant was heartbroken to hear the news of the death of his Memphis Grizzlies teammate Brandon Clarke. The two-time All-Star paid tribute to the forward on social media after the news of Clarke's passing broke. Morant shared a series of posts to his Instagram stories, expressing his appreciation for Clarke, who spent all seven seasons of his NBA career in Memphis with Morant. Both players were selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. — Victoria Hernandez

Click here to read more.

Other players as well as teams and reporters around the league mourned the loss, too

Kyle Anderson on Instagram

The late NBA player launched the Brandon Clarke Foundation in 2025 to help families affected by tragedy in Memphis.

The foundation has since donated to ARise2Read, a non-profit organization focused on helping kids enhance their literacy skills outside the classroom.

He also hosted a holiday celebration at the Buckman Boys & Girls Club, where the foundation families were provided with food, gifts and games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandon Clarke dies at 29: NBA world remembers, mourns Grizzlies' big