The Unconventional Love Story: 5 Shocking Facts About Jalen Green's Girlfriend, Draya Michele
The relationship between NBA star Jalen Green and model/entrepreneur Draya Michele has been one of the most talked-about celebrity romances since it became public, largely due to their significant age difference. As of December 2025, the couple's bond is stronger than ever, having recently celebrated a major life milestone: the birth of their first child together, which fundamentally changed the dynamic of their high-profile relationship. This article dives deep into the latest updates, the full biography of the couple, and the timeline of their unconventional love story that continues to captivate fans and critics alike.
The biggest and most current development is the joyous arrival of their daughter on May 12, 2024, a pivotal moment that cemented their commitment despite the constant scrutiny over the 17-year age gap. Green, a dynamic shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns, and Michele, a successful businesswoman and former reality TV star, have consistently shown a united front, navigating the pressures of fame while building a family. Their journey is a testament to finding love in unexpected places, proving that for them, age is truly just a number.
Jalen Green and Draya Michele: A Complete Profile and Biography
To fully understand the context of their relationship, it is essential to look at the impressive and diverse profiles of both Jalen Green and Draya Michele. Their individual careers and backgrounds highlight the celebrity power coupling they represent.
Jalen Green’s Professional and Personal Profile
- Full Name: Jalen Romande Green
- Date of Birth: February 9, 2002
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 23 years old
- Birthplace: Merced, California, USA
- NBA Career: Drafted 2nd overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was notably acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a trade in 2025, marking a significant career move.
- NBA Stats Highlight: Through the start of the 2025-2026 season, Green has averaged an impressive 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over his career, establishing himself as a key offensive talent.
- Pre-NBA: He was a standout prospect who chose to play in the NBA G League Ignite team instead of attending college, paving a new path for elite high school players.
Draya Michele’s Multifaceted Career Profile
- Full Name: Andraya Michele Howard
- Date of Birth: January 23, 1985
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 40 years old
- Birthplace: Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
- Primary Occupation: Model, actress, fashion designer, and social media personality.
- Reality TV Fame: Rose to prominence as a main cast member on the VH1 reality series Basketball Wives LA, which chronicled the lives of women connected to professional basketball players.
- Business Ventures: She is the founder of the popular swimwear line, Mint Swim, showcasing her acumen as a successful entrepreneur and fashion mogul.
- Family: Draya Michele is also a mother to two other children from previous relationships, making her a seasoned parent.
The Unconventional Romance: Timeline and Age Gap Controversy
The relationship between Jalen Green and Draya Michele has been a lightning rod for public discussion, primarily centered on the 17-year difference in their ages. Despite the criticism, the couple has consistently defended their connection, emphasizing their genuine bond and shared life goals.
Their romance began to quietly blossom in the summer of 2023. By August 2023, the relationship was confirmed and quickly became a high-profile topic in the world of sports and entertainment. The initial reaction from fans and media was mixed, with many focusing on the age discrepancy—Green was 21 at the time, and Michele was 38. This age gap fueled countless debates across social media platforms and sports commentary shows, placing immense pressure on the couple.
However, the couple chose to ignore the noise, often sharing glimpses of their life together, from courtside appearances at NBA games to romantic vacation getaways. Their commitment became undeniable when news broke that they were expecting a child. This announcement, coming less than a year into their public relationship, signaled a serious, long-term commitment that few critics had anticipated.
A New Chapter: Welcoming Their Daughter in 2024
The most significant and heartwarming update to Jalen Green and Draya Michele’s story is the birth of their daughter. On May 12, 2024, the couple announced the arrival of their baby girl, marking a beautiful new chapter as they officially became parents together. This event not only brought them closer but also provided a clear, tangible focus for their future as a family unit.
The birth was widely covered, with Green and Michele sharing emotional posts on their respective social media accounts, expressing their joy and love for their new daughter. The arrival of the baby shifted the narrative around their relationship from one focused solely on the age gap to one centered on family and parenthood. The Houston Rockets star, before his trade to the Suns, spoke openly about the excitement and nervousness of becoming a first-time father, showing a mature side that resonated with many of his fans.
Draya Michele, already a mother, shared her experience of embracing motherhood again, highlighting the blend of their two families and the loving environment they are creating for all their children. This new addition has solidified their status as a dedicated couple in the public eye, successfully blending their professional lives with their roles as parents.
Jalen Green's Dating History Before Draya
While his relationship with Draya Michele is his most high-profile and serious to date, Jalen Green has had a brief history of dating and encounters that preceded his current commitment. Exploring his past romantic interests provides a more complete picture of the young NBA star's personal life.
One of his notable early relationships was with Breah Hicks in 2021. Hicks, known for her social media presence, was a connection from Green's younger days. The relationship was relatively short-lived and came at the very beginning of his professional basketball career, just after he was drafted into the league. This was a typical young NBA romance that faded as Green’s career trajectory intensified.
Another reported encounter was with fitness influencer Myah Iakopo in 2023. This connection was brief and primarily fueled by social media speculation and rumors. These early relationships highlight a pattern of dating within the social media and influencer sphere, a common trend for young, high-profile athletes.
The transition from these brief encounters to his long-term, committed partnership with Draya Michele demonstrates a clear shift in Green's personal life towards stability and family. His current relationship, though controversial, represents a significant move toward a more grounded and mature lifestyle, focusing on his career with the Phoenix Suns and his new role as a father.
Topical Authority: The NBA Star and the Business Mogul
The coupling of an NBA player and a prominent figure from the entertainment and fashion world is a classic celebrity dynamic, but Green and Michele’s story adds a layer of depth due to their age difference and Michele’s established career. Their combined influence spans professional sports, high fashion, reality television, and entrepreneurship, giving them a massive topical footprint.
Draya Michele’s role as the founder and CEO of Mint Swim, a successful fashion line, positions her as a formidable businesswoman. Her ability to pivot from reality TV to a credible fashion designer adds weight to her profile beyond the "NBA girlfriend" label. Meanwhile, Jalen Green's status as a top-tier NBA talent, now playing for a major market team like the Phoenix Suns, ensures constant media attention.
Their enduring relationship, culminating in the birth of their child, has forced the public to look past the initial shock value of the age gap and acknowledge the genuine connection between them. They are a powerful and modern celebrity couple, defining their own rules of engagement both on and off the court.
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