Who is Dwyane Wade?

Dwyane Wade is a former professional basketball player who played mostly for the Miami Heat. He was born to Jolinda Wade and Dwyane Wade Sr. in Chicago, Illinois, on January 17, 1982. Currently, Wade is married to American actress Gabrielle Union. D-Wade played in the NBA for 16 seasons and won 3 championships with the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Wade’s early life

Due to the separation of his parents, Dwyane Wade lived alone with his mother JoLinda, and sister, Tragil Wade. Growing up in Chicago, Dwyane and his family witnessed many financial hurdles that forced them to go on welfare. When Dwyane was 8, his sister Tragil told him they were going to the movies. Instead, Tragil Wade took her younger brother to their father's house in a better neighborhood in the South Side of Chicago.

A year later, D-Wade started hooping with his stepbrothers after his father moved them to a different suburb in Chicago. Though Dwyane was initially touted as a wide receiver for his high school football team, his stepbrother Demetrius McDaniel had already gained fame with the school's basketball team. D-Wade's desire and dedication towards basketball led to junior year where he averaged 20.7 points and 7.7 rebounds for Harold L. Richards High School.

Dwyane Wade attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but due to low academic scores, he was not allowed to play in his first year. However, he would get off to a hot start in his sophomore year, averaging 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. In 2003, he recorded the NCAA's 4th ever triple-double against a top-seeded Kentucky team. This would set the stage for D-Wade to enter the league in the 2003 NBA Draft as a 21-year-old guard.

Dwyane Wade’s wife and children

Dwyane Wade married his high school sweetheart, Siohvaughn Funches in 2002. He and Funches welcomed Zaire Wade in 2002 and Zaya Wade in 2007. Shortly after, Funches and Wade would divorce and agree to share custody of their children. D-Wade is now married to Hollywood actress, Gabrielle Union. In 2011, the 3x NBA champion took over full custody of his nephew, Dahveon Morris. Wade also had a son, Xavier Zechariah Wade, 10, with Aja Metoyer in 2013. This was during a brief split between D-Wade and his then-girlfriend Gabrielle Union. After reconciling differences, the Hollywood actress and the NBA legend tied the knot in 2014. 4 years later, the star couple welcomed their daughter- Kaavia James Union Wade.

In 2020, D-Wade's teenage child came out as transgender. Zaya Wade, formerly known as Zion Wade, received a lot of support from their father and stepmother. Wade filed a petition for granting a new legal identity to the 15-year-old. However, Dwyane Wade's ex-wife and Zaya's biological mother, Siohvaughn Funches, would publicly criticize the 3x champion. Regardless, D-Wade and Gabrielle Union have been very vocal in their support of the LGBTQ+ community. For their efforts, they were awarded the President’s Award at the 2023 NAACP Image Award.

Dwyane Wade: Net worth 2024

Dwyane Wade's net worth is estimated to be around $170 million. After a lucrative career in the league, Dwyane Wade has invested his contract and endorsement earnings into various ventures from NBA franchises to self-owned wineries. His wife, Gabrielle Union, also has an astonishing net worth of $40 million.

Dwyane Wade's career timeline

During the 2002-03 NCAA season, Dwyane Wade became the first Marquette player since 1978 to be selected for the All-America First Team. After leading the university with 21.5 points, the 21-year-old was selected 5th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2003 NBA Draft. Wade averaged 16.2 points, 4 rebounds and 4.5 assists as a rookie, finishing 3rd in the Rookie of the Year race behind Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. He was also named in the 2004 NBA All-Rookie Team.

Miami landed Shaquille O'Neal on July 4, 2004, improving their record from 42 wins in Wade's first season to 59 in the second. Dwyane Wade emerged as a two-way star, becoming an All-Star reserve in his second season and an All-Star starter in his third. He would improve in every category to lead Miami to their first-ever NBA championship in 2006, becoming the 5th youngest Finals MVP in NBA history.

Unfortunately, D-Wade would then begin to be plagued by injuries, particularly to his knee. He would fight back for the 2008 Olympics where he helped Team USA win gold. After O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, Wade took on an even more central role, averaging 30.2 points, 5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks in the 08-09 season.  In July 2010, Chris Bosh and LeBron James decided to take their talents to South Beach, joining D-Wade to form the 'Big Three'. Though Wade's numbers would take a step back from the added talent, this made the Heat immediate title contenders.

Their first season together though ended with a loss in the NBA Finals, at the hands of Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. It sparked a feud between the Dunking Deutschman and Dwyane Wade that lasted through their primes. Bosh, James, and Wade then clicked into top gear and won 2 straight NBA Finals, with LeBron James taking home the Finals MVP award both times. Their quest for a three-peat would be stumped by the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 as D-Wade's knee injuries continued keeping him off the court from time to time. This led to June 2014, when King James returned to Cleveland, officially ending the 'Big Three' era in Miami.

Dwyane Wade played 14 years for the Heat till 2016 when he moved to play in his hometown with the Chicago Bulls. A year later, he moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers to join former teammate LeBron James. Finally, in 2018, D-Wade announced he would come back to Miami for one last dance. When Wade retired in 2019, he finished as the Heat's all-time leader in points, games, assists, steals, shots made and shots taken. In his final game in April 2019, he tallyed his 5th NBA triple-double.

During his 16-season NBA career, Dwyane Wade only missed the postseason 3 times. His playoff career-high came against the Boston Celtics in 2010 when Wade dropped 46 points, including 19 in the 4th quarter, to win Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. As of January 2024, D-Wade ranks top 15 in All-Time Playoff points and steals. Dwyane Wade's jersey was retired by the Heat in 2022. In 2023, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. And in early 2024, Miami Heat's President, Pat Riley would announce the construction of a statue for their 13x All-Star.

Dwyane Wade's NBA contracts

As a lottery pick, Dwyane Wade signed a 4-year rookie deal worth about $12.3 million. However, in 2007, the Miami Heat renewed him on a 3-year, $43 million contract. When he entered Free Agency again in 2010, Miami re-signed D-Wade on a 6-year, $107 million contract that saw him earn about $17 million a year. At the end of LeBron James' Heat contract, D-Wade signed for a reduced amount to keep the 'Big Three' together. However, James would return to Cleveland instead. In 2014, Wade took a pay cut and earned $15 million. The next year, he re-signed with Miami for $20 million.

During his last few seasons, though D-Wade's production had been hampered by his injury woes, the league's inflation, and his star value allowed him to sign the most expensive deal of his career. After alleged lowball offers from Pat Riley and the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade decided to leave the franchise. He signed with the Chicago Bulls, his hometown team, on a 2-year $47 million deal.

However, his contract would be bought out in the second year after the Bulls blew up the roster. D-Wade would then join LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers, signing a 1-year $2.3 million contract. The Cavs would trade Wade to the Heat later in the same season. In the leadup to the 2018-19 season, Dwyane Wade would sign his final NBA contract - $2.4 million for 1 year. In total, Dwyane Wade earned $196,388,473 during his 16-season NBA career.

Dwyane Wade’s partnerships and endorsements

Since retiring, Dwyane Wade has built a very fashionable persona. It culminated in a partnership with $1.7 billion fashion giant, Versace. From visiting their offices during Milan Fashion Week to posing for their eyewear apparel drop last year, the 3x NBA champion has been closely involved with the Italian brand. D-Wade would further the partnership by wearing a Versace suit during his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Wade also collaborates with several other high-end luxury brands including Hublot and New Era. The Miami Heat legend is also an ambassador for Gatorade, the Lincoln Motor Company, and Panini, an Italian company specializing in collectibles.

 Dwyane Wade’s investments

Like his 2006 NBA championship-winning teammate, Shaquille O'Neal, D-Wade is also a certified multi-preneur. It started as early as 2009 when Wade joined forces with Drew Brees and Serena Williams to co-found 'Mission Products Holdings', an athlete-focused apparel brand. He expanded his portfolio in 2014 with the help of Napa Valley winemaker, Jayson Pahlmeyer. Wade Cellars initially launched in China but the company soon ended up on the cover of 'Wine Enthusiast' in 2016. A couple of years later, Wade Cellars began operating in the US as well. He shared that a part of his goal is to make wine more accessible to the community he came from.

More recently, the NBA legend has begun his foray into the sports ownership world. He purchased a minority stake in the Utah Jazz in 2021, followed by a move that saw him join the ownership group of MLS team Real Salt Lake. Last year, Dwyane Wade also joined the ownership ranks in the WNBA through his hometown team, the Chicago Sky. He is often seen at the practice facility, working closely with the players.

Wade and his long-time Heat teammate, Udonis Haslem, also share a venture together. 'Forty-three' was established in 2016 to invest in the favorite foods of the former teammates. Lastly, Wade also co-founded '59th and Prairie Entertainment' which produced the Emmy-winning documentary, 'The Redeem Team' in 2023. Through the company, D-Wade also produced 'The Barber of Little Rock', which was nominated for the 2024 Oscars.

Dwyane Wade's records

• Most career blocks by a guard (previously held by Michael Jordan)


• Highest points and assists total by a player in Miami Heat history


• Most games played and minutes by a player in Miami Heat history


• Most free throws made by a player in Miami Heat history


• Most points scored in a single season in Marquette University history

Dwyane Wade’s awards and achievements

• 3× NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013)


• NBA Finals MVP (2006)


• 13× NBA All-Star (2005”“2016, 2019)


• NBA All-Star Game MVP (2010)


• 2× All-NBA First Team (2009, 2010)


• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2006, 2011)


• 3× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2012, 2013)


• NBA scoring champion (2009)


• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2009, 2010)


• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)


• NBA 75th Anniversary Team


• No. 3 retired by Miami Heat


• Consensus first-team All-American (2003)


• Third-team All-American ”“ SN (2002)


• Conference USA Player of the Year (2003)


• 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2002, 2003)


• No. 3 retired by Marquette Golden Eagles


• President's Award (2023)

Dwyane Wade's foundation and charity work

Dwyane Wade started the Wade's World Foundation in 2007. The foundation is dedicated to empowering the underserved core communities of Chicago, Milwaukee, and the South Florida areas. His foundation helps community-based organizations that promote education, health, and social skills for children in at-risk situations. D-Wade's sister, Tragil Wade, is the Vice President who oversees most of the foundation's activities.

In 2010, Wade raised money to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. It was in that year that he also donated $25,000 to resurrect a library building. For his vocal support of the Parkland community following an incidence of gun violence, he also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in March 2018. Along with 2003 Draft classmate Carmelo Anthony and 12x All-Star Chris Paul, D-Wade also created Social Change Fund United. The fund supports a plethora of organizations that represent and lobby for minorities of color.

Dwyane Wade’s Shoe Deal

Converse signed Dwyane Wade to a 6-year deal that would pay him about $400,000 a year. Joining him in 'The First School' were his Draft classmates Chris Bosh, Kirk Hinrich, Troy Bell, and Mike Sweetney. In 2006, Wade's first signature shoe, 'The Converse Wade 1' sold over 1 million pairs globally upon release.  After D-Wade and the Heat won a ring the same year, Converse went all in on the shoe line. They dropped 'The Converse Wade 1.3' along with a marketing campaign that featured ads from Spike Lee and a song from Rick Ross.

The third signature shoe 'From Robbins, Illinois' dropped in 2007 with the Wade 4 coming a year later. However, Dwyane stopped wearing the Wade 4s early in 2009, citing issues with the design. Later that year, the Heat guard would leave Converse to sign a shoe deal with Jordan. For the first time in Air Jordan's history, it was not His Airness as the face of the campaign.

Dwyane Wade headed the drops of the Air Jordan 2010 and Air Jordan 2011, returning to the brand he donned during his rookie Summer League games. In May 2011, the 'Jordan Fly Wade' would hit the market. Due to a lawsuit over the Wade logo, both the 'Jordan Fly Wade' and the 'Jordan Fly Wade 2' did not see great numbers in the market.

This led to 2012 when D-Wade chose the unconventional path and signed an 8-year $10 million contract with Chinese company Li-Ning. The contract made him the Chief Brand Officer and immediately established his 'Way of Wade' line of sneakers. Though the shoes initially started in Asian markets, they have picked up in the US over the last few years.

There have been 7 signature sneakers in the 'Way of Wade' line. D-Wade has also signed NBA stars like D'Angelo Russell, Jimmy Butler, and Fred VanVleet over the last decade. In 2018, Dwyane Wade signed a lifetime shoe deal with Li-Ning, safeguarding their partnership for the future.

Dwyane Wade’s house

During his playing days, Dwyane Wade purchased a $10.6 million mansion in Miami. He sold it for a whopping $22 million in 2021. It came with a basketball court, wine cellar, movie theater, and private dock. These days, the 3x NBA champion and his wife Gabrielle Union live in California with their daughter Kaavia James, and Wade's daughter, Zaya.

The star couple bought the 22,000-square-foot Hidden Hills mansion in 2020 for $17.9 million. It boasts another wine cellar, a fitness wing with steaming and sauna facilities, seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and an infinity pool. A year after moving into their Hidden Hills abode, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union sold their Sherman Oaks villa for $5.5 million. The 8,600-square-foot mansion also came equipped with a wet bar, wine cellar, movie theater, outdoor spa, and infinity pool.

Dwyane Wade’s rings

Dwyane Wade won 3 NBA championships during his 16 seasons in the NBA. They are the only 3 championships in Miami Heat history. The franchise and Wade won their first title in 2006. D-Wade recalled that the first ring was the most rewarding as he had to lead the way against Dirk Nowitzki's Mavericks. The other 2 rings in his career came during Miami's 'Big Three' era.

First, however, Nowitzki would get his revenge on the Heat during LeBron James' first season in South Beach. The Mavericks defeated the Heat 4-2 in the 2011 NBA Finals. In 2012, Wade & Co. would close out the OKC Thunder 4-1 to win Wade's second ring. His last ring would come in the following season against the San Antonio Spurs in a tightly contested 7-game series. D-Wade appeared in 5 NBA Finals, winning 3 and losing 2.

Dwyane Wade’s car collection

As a rookie, Dwyane Wade spent his first paycheck on an electric Blue Escalade. Since then, his tastes have risen exponentially. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is not only one of Wade's most expensive cars at about $270,000, it's also one of his favorites. He reportedly gifted himself the car in 2014. The F12 Berlinetta has a top speed of 211 mph and goes 0-60 in 3 seconds. The trend would continue in 2019 as Wade would gift himself the McLaren 720S Spider with a slightly higher price tag and speed to boot. However, these are supercars. D-Wade also owns a hypercar.

The 3x NBA champion was also one of the first individuals to receive the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which is one of the hottest properties among car collectors at the moment. The 'Flash' clearly has a taste for the fast life as he owns a variety of Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini supercars. Dwyane Wade's wife Gabrielle Union brought some diversity into his garage by gifting him a 1974 Ford Bronco on Father's Day in 2020.

Dwyane Wade’s social media accounts

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube