[REVISION HISTORY]

Death and contract payout of Brandon Clarke

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 01:39 UTC → 2026-08-25 22:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In May 2026, NBA forward Brandon Clarke was found unresponsive in a Los Angeles home and pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled the death an accidental overdose, citing the effects of heroin and cocaine as the primary causes. A full autopsy report noted that the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” were a significant contributing factor. Toxicology testing ~~also~~ identified therapeutic levels of oxycodone, morphine, anti-anxiety medication, and muscle relaxers, as well as mitragynine, a substance derived from kratom. Clarke, 29, was a Canadian-American athlete who spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. His death followed legal issues in Arkansas in April, ~~where he faced~~ including a high-speed police chase involving kratom possession and felony charges ~~involving~~ related to the possession and trafficking of a controlled substance. ~~According to his roommate, Clarke had a “history of drug use with prior stints at a rehabilitation program.”~~ Investigators reported finding syringes, vape devices, cannabis products, ~~and~~ a box of ~~Narcan~~ Narcan, and a plate containing an unidentified white powdery substance at the scene. Regarding his professional contract, Clarke’s family is set to receive the final $12.5 million of his ~~deal with the Grizzlies—originally~~ deal—originally designated for the 2026-27 ~~season—is expected to be paid in full to his estate through~~ season—through life insurance. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, previously ~~addressed~~ dismissed reports suggesting the family might not receive the funds, labeling ~~such claims as~~ them “misinformation.” The Grizzlies had negotiated a structure where the team reimbursed the cost of a life insurance policy ~~specifically designed~~ to protect the remaining value of his contract. The Grizzlies organization, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and the National Basketball Players Association have issued tributes honoring Clarke’s character and contributions.

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