The Memphis Grizzlies keep getting hammered with bad news amid another incredibly testy season.
On Wednesday, Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on multiple charges, including speeding and trafficking of a controlled substance.
The County Cross Sheriff’s department marked Clarke as booked into jail Wednesday after four charges.
Clarke, 29, was cited for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance and fleeing in a vehicle or conveyance while speeding.
At this time, there is no information regarding what the substance was. There is also no indication if Clarke’s charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
Memphis Grizzlies forward further risks career amid on-court struggles
The Grizzlies acquired Clarke in a draft day trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2019.
The versatile wing was seen as a bright future prospect with potential to become a cornerstone for a franchise. Clarke enjoyed some success earlier in his career with the Grizzlies, notably in the 2022-23 season when the team was among the top seeds in the Western Conference.
That year, he tallied 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game on 65.6% shooting from the floor. He was a pivotal depth piece for a team constructed on size, length and toughness.
Ever since, Clarke has battled injuries and inconsistent play. The 29-year-old Grizzlies star has been limited to just 72 games in the last three seasons. He has played only two tilts this year after initially recovering from right knee surgery and then straining his right calf in December.
Clarke’s issues are just one of the numerous trials the Grizzlies have faced all year.
In what was supposed to be a promising season, the franchise is once again lottery-destined and left to decide what it wants to do with star point guard Ja Morant, who was in serious trade talks ahead of the February trade deadline.
What these charges could mean for Clarke’s career
Many around the Grizzlies organization suspected Clarke’s time in Memphis was already nearing its end.
The seventh-year man out of Gonzaga University has been plagued by glaring durability issues and now off the court troubles. The Grizzlies are already in a tango and appear to be in dire need of a reset.
Although Clarke was an impactful contributor in the years Memphis made the playoffs, he has seen little progression in his game in more recent seasons. These off the court charges will perhaps only hurt his chances of quickly getting another opportunity elsewhere.
The Grizzlies have lost more games than they’ve lost this season. They are without an immediate plan and have changes to make.
Clarke is under contract throughout next season, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he is either moved or released before then.
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