Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant shared his emotional reaction to the sudden death of his teammate, Brandon Clarke.
“This hurt BC 💔,” Morant, 26, posted via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, May 12. “Love you broski. Gone way too soon.”
He added, “It’s bigger than basketball.”
Morant and Clarke played all seven seasons of their respective NBA careers together in Memphis. The Grizzlies drafted Morant with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and the team acquired the rights to Clarke the following month after he was drafted later in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Clarke died on Monday, May 11, according to NBC4 Los Angeles. He was 29 years old.
A cause of death is unknown, however drug paraphernalia was found in the home and the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose, per NBC4.
The outlet reported that police were called to a residence in the San Fernando Valley shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday, where Clarke was pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of the NBA star’s death.
Former Memphis Grizzlies player Kyle Anderson posted he was “so f***in hurt” by Clarke’s death.
“My dawg my virgo twin i love you so much brother i wish coulda been there for u,” he wrote via his Instagram Story on Tuesday.
Jaylen Wells, who was drafted in the second round by the Grizzlies in 2024, wrote via his Instagram Story: “Everything he’s went through in the time I’ve been in Memphis he still came in with a smile on his face and was a light in the locker room, truly an inspiring person. Memphis won’t be the same without you. 🤞🏾RIP BC ❤️.”
Clarke only played two games during the 2025-26 as he battled injuries.
The Grizzlies confirmed Clarke’s death in a statement issued via social media on Tuesday.
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“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the team said. “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’s management agency, Priority Sports, also issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” the agency said on Tuesday. “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 who was part of his life.”
The statement continued, “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.”
