The family of Brandon Clarke — the Grizzlies forward who died in May from an accidental overdose — will receive the $12.5 million remaining on his fully protected deal, with the amount expected to be paid in full through life insurance, according to Yahoo Sports.
“It was very disappointing to see the misinformation that was reported,” Priority Sports agent Mark Bartelstein, who represented Clarke, told the outlet. “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.”
The outlet added that not all contracts are guaranteed due to deaths, and in Clarke’s case, the $12.5 million serves as the money he would’ve been owed with the four-year, $50 million rookie extension he inked with the Grizzlies.
“The Grizzlies have been an incredible partner in supporting Brandon from the moment they drafted him,” Bartelstein told Yahoo Sports. “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, 29, died of a lethal combination of heroin and cocaine, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner previously announced, and he was found unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11.
Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found inside his San Fernando Valley home in California.
He was also arrested six weeks before his death — for allegedly passing “several” cars in a no-passing zone and as well as allegedly traveling over 100 mph, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The California Post — with 235.6 grams of kratom found in his car.
Clarke, a 2019 draft pick, spent all seven of his seasons with the Grizzlies but dealt with injuries throughout his career.
He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and his death prompted tributes from those close to him and those around the basketball community.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement at the time of his death. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
His fiancée, Lorraine, added at the time that “there are no words to describe this feeling.
