Dwyane Wade Shares What Daughter Zaya Has Taught Him About Fatherhood

“I always say if she [were] me and she played basketball, she’d be one of the greatest athletes ever,” Dwyane explained, “because she has that mentality and that understanding of what you need to do.”

And the dad of five stressed that he’ll always be Zaya’s number one cheerleader, saying, “I’m a fan of my daughter.”

In addition to sharing Zaya, 19, and son Zaire, 24, with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, Dwyane, 44, is also dad to son Xavier, 12, with ex Aja Metoyer, along with daughter Kaavia, 7, with Gabrielle. He’s also a legal guardian to his nephew, Dahveon, 21.

And ahead of Father’s Day, the professional athlete is reflecting on his fatherhood journey. 

“As a dad, I just want to get to know all my kids as they are and who they are and knowing that they all are different,” he explained. “And knowing that Dad’s going to show up and he’s going to listen. He’s going to learn. He’s going to love you.”

“As long as I have that all the time, then it’s always Father’s Day for me,” he added. “I just want to do everything I can to provide, be a stable voice and person in their lives and hopefully inspire.”

And after Zaya came out publicly as transgender, Dwyane has done just that—publicly expressing his love and support for his daughter, while also continuing to educate himself along the way. 

Indeed, the Utah Jazz co-owner previously emphasized that creating a community for Zaya was his immediate priority after she shared her identity. 

“For me, it just started, first and foremost, with love and acceptance at home, really building that community around my child,” he told Them.Us in 2024. “And in the midst of building that community in our home, and in our family, and in our friend group around Zaya, we watched the child—and we’re still watching—elevate in life. We’re watching a child have child success, in all the ways, because of that community.”

For a closer look into Dwyane and Gabrielle’s best family moments, keep reading…