Did you know that NBA legend Dwyane Wade has two sons instead of one? While fans are familiar with Wade’s two children, Zaire and Zaya, from his previous marriage with Siovaughn Funches, not many know about Xavier. Zaire has pursued his basketball journey, while Zaya has made her mark in the LGBTQ+ community and fashion world. But, there’s more to Wade’s family story than just this.

Wade and his current wife, actress Gabrielle Union, also welcomed a young daughter, Kaavia. However, his son Xavier, born in 2013 during a brief separation from Union, remains one of the quieter figures in Wade’s family. Raised primarily by his mother, Aja Metoyer, Xavier has a unique place in Wade’s life. Here’s a closer look at the lesser-known story of Dwyane Wade’s younger son and the bond they share.

A closer look at Dwyane Wade’s son Xavier and the complications of the bond

Xavier Wade may not be as well-known as some of his family members. But his story speaks volumes about love, commitment, and the unique bonds within families. Born in 2013, Xavier is the youngest son of former NBA star Dwyane Wade. His birth came during a brief break in Wade’s relationship with his now-wife, actress Gabrielle Union. Xavier, however, was primarily raised by his mother, Aja Metoyer.

And while he doesn’t live with Dwyane full-time, their connection is unmistakable. Imagine the challenge of maintaining a strong bond with a child who lives miles away. The Flash addressed this openly in his memoir, Dwyane, published in 2021. ‘Xavier doesn’t live with me, so we don’t get to see each other every day like I do with my other kids. It makes things challenging at times, but it’s my job to make sure he never has to carry that weight.”

You can feel the honesty in his words—there’s a quiet strength in his determination to be there for Xavier even if distance separates them. “It’s up to me to make sure he knows he’s being raised with love even if we don’t live under the same roof,” Wade further stated in his memoir. For him, love is a daily promise, not limited by logistics.

Further expanding upon his experience of fatherhood with Xavier and his other kids, Wade emphasized that fatherhood isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. As he puts it, “What I’ve come to learn over my life is that fatherhood isn’t a monolithic image that looks the same in every household.” And maybe he’s right. Perhaps what matters most is ensuring our loved ones feel supported, no matter what family looks like. However, it’s not as if Xavier’s birth did not bring any challenges for D-Wade.

The Miami Heat icon was afraid of telling Gabrielle about the child he had during their separation

During a candid appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the Miami Heat legend shared the emotional journey of telling his now-wife about the child he fathered during a period when they were separated. For Wade, facing the conversation with Union was far more challenging than navigating his feelings. “Way harder to have a conversation with my now-wife,” he admitted. Reflecting on the fears and emotions tied to the situation.

Wade explained the intense contemplation he went through before talking to Union. “You’re thinking about it all, and it is all scary. The one situation is scary enough, but you know this is gonna hurt someone that you’ve been building a relationship and a life with,” he said. However, despite the weight of the revelation, Wade and Union managed to rebuild their relationship. And in 2014, the couple even tied the knot, completing a decade of marriage in 2024. This is a testament to the resilience and commitment they both have for one another.

While his marriage to Union is central to his life, Wade has also remained dedicated to being a present father for his son, Xavier. And although the instances have been rare, the 3x NBA champ has even been spotted with all of his children in one frame. However, the more popular moment of the Dwyane and Xavier’s public appearance came at a Lakers’ game in 2023.

The occasion was Xavier’s 10th birthday and the father-son duo marked the moment at the Lakers game on November 12, 2023 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. The event was a special one for Xavier, as he received a birthday shout-out on the Jumbotron. And even took a photo with NBA icon LeBron James.

The ex-Heat star shared the proud moment on social media, captioning it, “When you get to meet your favorite player,” while tagging James. Xavier also received a personalized Lakers jersey, making the day even more unforgettable. Wade referred to it as his son’s “best birthday to date.” Through all the ups and downs, Dwyane Wade’s dedication to his family remains strong, and his bond with Xavier highlights his commitment to being there for each of his children.