Brandon Clarke died in May from an accidental overdose. The former Memphis Grizzlies forward was in the middle of a four-year, $50 million deal that started in 2023. And on Thursday, a Front Office Sports report stated the Clarke estate would not be paid the $12.5 million remaining on his contract. But multiple NBA sources confirmed to Yahoo Sports that Clarke’s contract was completely protected in case of death. The $12.5 million is expected to be paid in full through life insurance. “It was very disappointing to see the misinformation that was reported,” Priority Sports agent Mark Bartelstein told Yahoo Sports. “Brandon’s contract was fully protected for a God-forbid occurrence. So Brandon’s family and his estate are fully protected in Brandon’s contract.” NBA contracts by default are not guaranteed in case of death. But it can be via negotiation, as was the case between Clarke’s representation and the Grizzlies. In Clarke’s contract, it was agreed the team would reimburse for life insurance to protect against the possibility of death. This is a customary approach to player contracts across the NBA that provides the most beneficial protection for a player that can be negotiated in a contract, because it provides tax advantages to the player.
“The Grizzlies have been an incredible partner in supporting Brandon from the moment they drafted him,” Bartelstein said. “The support that the entire Grizzlies organization has shown to Brandon’s family during this devastating time has been beyond words. And we all could not be more appreciative.” Clarke’s salary will not count against Memphis’ salary cap for the 2026-27 season. The NBA hasn't always handled situations like this so cleanly. When Celtics captain Reggie Lewis died suddenly in 1993, Boston was forced to carry his contract on its salary cap for two additional seasons. Since then, collectively bargained mechanisms separate the financial protection of a player and his family from the basketball consequences for the team. Clarke, 29, died May 11. Last week, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident caused by the effects of heroin and cocaine, with multiple prescription medications also listed as significant contributing factors. Memphis will open its season Oct. 21 against the Utah Jazz. It'll be the Grizzlies' first regular-season home game since losing a player who spent all seven years of his NBA career with the franchise.