Brandon Clarke Was Scheduled to Appear in Court on Drug Charges Days After Death

Memphis Grizzlies’ star Brandon Clarke was supposed to face an Arkansas judge — set for just days after his sudden death yesterday … and court records show the late NBA player had been staring down a series of serious criminal charges.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ, Clarke had been charged with felony trafficking a controlled substance … after authorities say they discovered illegal narcotics — including popular painkiller Kratom — during a traffic stop in April.

Prosecutors also hit Clarke with a felony count of fleeing in a vehicle or conveyance exceeding the posted speed limit … with authorities saying he attempted to evade cops during the alleged incident.

The list of charges didn’t stop there … Clarke was additionally hit with 3 misdemeanors … possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance under 4 ounces, improper passing on the left, and speeding more than 15 miles over the limit.

Court officials had scheduled Clarke to appear before a judge on May 15 … that was before he suddenly died yesterday … and the case cannot now proceed in light of the tragic news.

As we previously reported … The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency call around 5 PM on Monday … and when paramedics got to the scene, Clarke was declared deceased.

TMZ Sports confirmed with authorities that Clarke’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose, with officials saying they found drug paraphernalia inside the home where the Memphis Grizzlies’ player was staying Monday.