When you think of Kyle Kuzma, his basketball talent and standout fashion sense come to mind. But that’s not all the 29-year-old has made headlines for. Off the court, Kuzma’s been making waves in the dating scene, especially with his long relationship with supermodel and activist, Winnie Harlow.

While the Washington star’s love life has had its fair share of high-profile moments, his romance with Harlow stands out for its genuine connection. (I mean, aren’t their photos and sweet messages the cutest!) Here is a closer look at their relationship. Plus some insights into his past with Kendall Jenner.

Who is Kyle Kuzma’s girlfriend Winnie Harlow? How did the Washington Wizards’ star slide into her DM despite a failed attempt?

Winnie Harlow is no stranger to the spotlight. Born Chantelle Brown-Young, she became a household name after gaining international fame as a model with vitiligo. Needless to say, she has become a trailblazer in the fashion industry, challenging conventional beauty standards. Furthermore, Harlow has modeled for major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Desigual, and Victoria’s Secret, appearing in high-profile campaigns to promote causes close to her heart.

As for how Kuzma managed to catch her attention, it’s all thanks to an impromptu Instagram DM. Well, not completely impromptu. The then-Lakers player had an interest in Winnie and messaged her in 2019. “I got a DM a year prior from my boyfriend, and I’d never seen it. I don’t know what the glitch in the system with Instagram is, but that never came up for me,” the ex-America’s Next Top SuperModel contestant said during a 2021 appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. 

But the man didn’t give up. Fast forward a year, and this time Kyle made sure to catch Harlow’s attention. “At the top of quarantine, he DMed me again … He shot his shot. He slid in the DMs. That was cute. I was like, ‘Oh hey, how’s quarantine been?’,” she narrated the sweet story to Stephen “tWITCH” Boss.

Their online chat quickly turned into daily conversations, and soon they were planning to meet up in person. Kuzma’s persistence paid off, and what started as a simple DM turned into a meaningful connection.

Did Winnie Harlow move to Los Angeles for Kyle Kuzma? When did the couple start dating?

After their online chatting, Harlow and Kuzma spent hours on FaceTime, sometimes talking for 24 hours a day. The chemistry between them was undeniable. At the time, Kuzma was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Harlow was living in Brooklyn, New York. But after a month of nonstop FaceTime calls, Kuzma made a suggestion that changed the course of their relationship: “He was like, ‘You gotta come to L.A.,” Harlow recalled.

She made the move, and from then on, she’s been living in Los Angeles. Harlow made the move in April 2020. As a couple who enjoyed their privacy, the two continued their relationship in private. But, in April 2021, the pair decided it was right to let their devoted fans know of this important chapter in their life.

Winnie made their relationship Instagram official with a video that showed the couple sharing a sweet kiss. She added a simple note on the side: “Happy 1 year anniversary @kuz,” followed by a white heart emoji.

But it truly dawned on Winnie Harlow in the most adorable way possible! “I was getting ready for bed and my process is very long. I have serums. I have my bonnet. My shower takes half an hour. I was just winding down. I was taking a really long time and he was like, ‘Can I cuddle with my girlfriend?’And I was like, ‘Girlfriend. Oh, okay, sure. There we go. I guess it’s a wrap now. Hang up my jersey.’ That’s how we ended up in a relationship,” Harlow recalled in an interview with PEOPLE.

It wasn’t just about those grand gestures. Rather, the small, everyday moments that truly make the pair so special and so very loved. Now, the two seem inseparable, regularly posting pictures together, sharing moments of fun and love, and even supporting each other’s endeavors. Kuzma has been spotted at Harlow’s events, while she often cheers him on during Wizards games.

Did the Washington star date Kendall Jenner?

Before his romance with Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma was rumored to have been involved with model, Kendall Jenner. The whole thing started primarily due to ultra-magnified pictures that showed the pair on a yacht, enjoying and having fun. However, sources close to the pair have confirmed that there was never anything romantic between them.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, a source reportedly said, “The two were hanging out over the holiday as friends.” The truth of the matter is that they simply ran in the same social circles. As such, Kuzma and Jenner often attended events or parties, fueling speculation that they were in a relationship. The socialite’s history with NBA players did not help their cause, either.

“Kendall is enjoying being single after ending things with Ben [Simmons],” the above source added. Furthermore, another source close to Kuzma responded, “It’s nothing.”

The Keeping with Kardashians fame has been open about her approach to relationships. In an interview earlier in 2020, she admitted how easily she can lose interest in someone once she’s no longer feeling the connection. “I know when I’m off it, and I get off it really easy,” she told ET. “But it’s not just for no reason. Someone has to do something to make me off it.” 

Kendall Jenner, too, enjoys her privacy when it comes to relationships. Hence, for her to open up like this reflects her honest, no-nonsense approach to dating, suggesting that her brief connection with Kuzma was just that – brief and casual.

Kyle and Winnie’s relationship has garnered attention for all the right reasons. From their initial online connection to their solid, everyday moments, the couple seems to be in a relationship built on mutual respect and shared experiences. While rumors about his brief interactions with Jenner were quickly debunked, Kuzma has found stability with Harlow, who continues to rise as one of the fashion world’s most inspiring figures.

In the world of sports and entertainment where relationships are often fleeting, these two have found steadiness through patience and commitment. As they continue to support each other in their respective careers, its clear that Kuzma and Harlow are writing their own love story. One that shows no signs of slowing down!