Why Memphis Grizzlies Won’t Pay Out Last Year Of Brandon Clarke’s Contract After His Death

The Memphis Grizzlies will not be paying $12.5 million to Brandon Clarke’s estate following his death, voiding the final year of his contract.

One of the most tragic NBA stories of the year was the passing of Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke. He died at the age of 29, in what should have been the prime of his life.

Clarke’s death was made even more tragic by the circumstances. Three months after he passed, the cause was ruled to be an accidental overdose from cocaine, heroin, and other prescription drugs.

It was a terribly sad situation all around, and especially so for Clarke’s family. According to the latest reporting, it seems his estate will not receive the money from the final year of his contract, either.

Final year of Brandon Clarke’s $50 million contract with Grizzlies wasn’t ‘protected for death’

Clarke appeared in only two games during the 2025-26 season before his untimely death. He was paid the full $12.5 million he was owed for that season.

However, the final year of his contract, which could have earned another $12.5 million for his estate, has been voided by the Grizzlies, as per the latest report from Front Office Sports.

“Multiple sources said that Clarke earned his full $12.5 million from the 2025–26 season, but the final year of his salary won’t be paid out to his estate because it wasn’t protected for death,” the report states.

“However, Clarke did have a life insurance policy, sources say. It’s unknown if the factors surrounding his death could impact its payout.”

This is an unfortunate development in what is already a very heartbreaking story. Teams will often pay out the entire contract in the rare case of an athlete’s passing, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.

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