Ja Morant took to social media to mourn the death of teammate Brandon Clarke on Tuesday in a series of Instagram Story posts.
Clarke, 29, died early Monday evening in Los Angeles, and the Grizzlies announced the tragic news on Tuesday.
Morant played with Clarke after both were drafted in 2019.
“This hurt BC,” Morant wrote in one post, along with a broken heart emoji. “Love you broski. gone way too soon.
“It’s bigger than basketball.”
Police are investigating the death as a possible overdose.
In another post, Morant shared a photo of himself with Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Morant later shared a post from Grizzlies social media manager Devin Walker that featured him with Clarke during the 2019 NBA Summer League when he won MVP.
“I’m walking with a GOAT right here,” Morant said in the video as the pair walked off the court.
First responders received a call about a medical emergency around 5 p.m. local time on Monday at a residence in the San Fernando Valley. Paramedics pronounced Clarke dead at the scene.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement Tuesday. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league was “devastated” by Clarke’s passing and that he was a “beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous pride and grit.”
