Brandon Clarke's Family to Receive Full $12.5 Million Contract After His Death

The family of Brandon Clarke, the Memphis Grizzlies forward who died in May from an accidental overdose, will receive the remaining $12.5 million on his fully protected contract, according to Yahoo Sports. The payment is expected to be made in full through life insurance.

"Brandon's contract was fully protected for a God-forbid occurrence," said Mark Bartelstein, Clarke's agent, to Yahoo Sports. "So Brandon's family and his estate are fully protected in Brandon's contract." Bartelstein also stated that misinformation had been reported about the situation.

The $12.5 million represents the amount Clarke would have been owed from the four-year, $50 million rookie extension he signed with the Grizzlies. Not all player contracts are guaranteed in the event of a player's death.

"The Grizzlies have been an incredible partner in supporting Brandon from the moment they drafted him," Bartelstein added. "The support that the entire Grizzlies organization has shown to Brandon's family during this devastating time has been beyond words."

Clarke, 29, died from a combination of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced. He was found unresponsive in his San Fernando Valley home on May 11. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly discovered at the residence.

Six weeks prior to his death, Clarke was arrested for allegedly passing multiple vehicles in a no-passing zone and traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Authorities found 235.6 grams of kratom in his car during the traffic stop.

A 2019 draft pick, Clarke spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Grizzlies, though his career was impacted by injuries. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His death prompted numerous tributes from teammates, coaches, and the wider basketball community. The Grizzlies organization stated at the time of his passing, "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."