Clarke has knee issue; Jackson, Edey to ramp up

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to address knee synovitis, which he suffered during offseason training, the team announced Friday.

Clarke is set to be reevaluated in six weeks, sources told ESPN. The Grizzlies said Clarke is expected to make a full recovery from his synovitis, an issue affecting the lining of the knee joint, but did not disclose a timeline.

The 29-year-old Clarke missed the final month of the 2024-25 season with a posterior cruciate ligament sprain, which fully healed without surgery.

Clarke’s injury announcement was one of a number of updates from the Grizzles on Friday. The team also said that center Zach Edey (ankle) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe) had been cleared to begin ramping up basketball activities. Edey is set to miss another six to nine weeks, while Jackson is expected to return to play in four to six weeks, the Grizzlies said.

Clarke has dealt with a number of lower-body injuries in his career. Along with this latest issue and the PCL strain, he tore his left Achilles tendon late in the 2022-23 season and missed most of the following year.

He played in 64 games last season and averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 rebounds over 18.9 minutes. Clarke has two years and $25 million left on his contract.

Edey had surgery in early June to address laxity in his left ankle. A two-time national player of the year at Purdue, Edey missed 12 games early last season because of a sprained left ankle. He went on to play in 66 games, making 55 starts, and averaged 9.2 points and a rookie-leading 8.3 rebounds. He was voted to the All-Rookie first team.

Rookie guard Cedric Coward, the 11th overall pick in this summer’s draft, is expected to be a full participant in camp following the completion of his left shoulder rehabilitation. He injured his shoulder early last season at Washington State.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.