Canadian Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke is dead, the franchise and the National Basketball Association announced in a statement on Monday.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the Memphis Grizzlies said in a statement.
The 29-year-old was drafted into the NBA by Oklahoma City but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies two weeks later, where he played for seven years until his death.
He was an important bench player for the franchise on a $52 million for four years contract until suffered an Achilles injury in March 2023, which ended his season early.
Reoccurring injuries, however, limited Clarke to 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season.
“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 organisation,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in his tribute.
Neither the Memphis Grizzlies nor the NBA stated Clarke’s cause of death but reports indicated his passing was being investigated as a case of possible overdose after officials found drug paraphernalia inside the home he was staying at on Monday.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was reportedly called to the residence on Monday evening regarding a medical emergency and declared the basketballer dead when they got to the scene.
Clarke was arrested in Arkansas last month on allegations of speeding, fleeing and possession of a controlled substance. He was later released on bail.