RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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After reports emerged on Thursday that Brandon Clarke’s estate wouldn’t receive the remainder of his contract, it has now been revealed that the money will be paid after all.
Brandon Clarke’s passing was a truly tragic moment for the entire basketball community in 2026. At just 29 years old, the NBA player is gone too soon.
Clarke had a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies till 2027. He played just two games for the team in the 2025-26 season, but the payment for that year was made in full.
Some reports on Thursday suggested that the Grizzlies wouldn’t pay out the remainder of Clarke’s contract, worth $12.5 million, to his estate. However, the matter has since been cleared up.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Brandon Clarke’s estate will reportedly receive full $12.5 million from life insurance policy
The reports regarding this matter suggested that Clarke’s contract wasn’t ‘protected for death’. However, there was no clarity in terms of whether his estate would receive anything from insurance.
Now, that has been cleared up by NBA insiders on Friday, with Kevin O’Connor explaining that those previous reports are all incorrect.
“Multiple NBA sources confirmed to Yahoo Sports that Clarke’s contract was completely protected in case of death,” O’Connor reported. “The $12.5 million is expected to be paid in full through life insurance.”
“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 will be good news for those who were disturbed by the initial reports. The Grizzlies have been involved in making sure Clarke’s estate is paid what he was owed, too. This is how it should be.
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