Legendary NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade talks about his family’s decision to leave Florida, the state he called home for many years. Following his retirement from professional basketball, Dwyane and his wife, Gabrielle Union, made the significant decision to move their family from Florida to California. The move was deeply personal for the couple and was driven by their desire to create an environment where their children could thrive.
Often referred to as “The Flash” during his illustrious career with the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade is known not only for his incredible skills on the basketball court but also for his advocacy of social justice and equality. That defense also extends to his family’s decision to leave Florida, a state that has been at the center of various controversies and political debates in recent years.
The former Miami Heat player, 41, and his wife, Gabrielle Union, moved their family from Florida to California after he left the NBA. The couple’s choice was personal, and Wade told PEOPLE that their departure “wasn’t because we love the Sunshine State any less.”
According to Wade, “When we had to decide what the next step was for our family because we all came together a little bit more, we had to think about our family and what it looked like and how we wanted our kids to feel, what they wanted we see each other every day.”
The bottom line, according to Wade, is that “Florida was no longer for us at that time.”
The father of three “has been so wonderful to our family” in so many ways, the father of three claims, “but going forward, raising our family, it just wasn’t the ideal place.”
He says California was the “perfect place” for the Wade family “because of everything it represents and the community that is represented here.”
Wade goes on to say that “the community that my daughter is a part of” is “represented in a way that we’re comfortable with” in California. In 2020, Wade’s 15-year-old daughter Zaya came out as transgender.
Florida is also home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic in addition to the Miami Heat. On May 12, Magic gave $50,000 to a group supporting the presidential bid of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The NBA Players Association objected to the donation, calling it “alarming given the recipient’s recent comments and policies” in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
Wade laments the “unfortunate” fact that the state he “loves so much” has turned into a place where he and his family “don’t feel safe” at the moment. Commenting on the magical gift, Wade said, “I don’t know, I’ve heard a lot of things coming out of Florida.
In light of the NBA team’s support for DeSantis, Wade says he “didn’t need validation at all” for his decision to leave Florida, but continues, “It’s just not a place right now where my family and I feel protected, I feel. safe, I feel seen and I’m grateful to be able to talk about it because I know there are other families out there who feel the same way.”
The former NBA player continues, “So we have to continue to do what we can to see some change happen in the place that I used to call home.”
Wade has considered getting directly involved in Florida politics as one way he expects to push for change.
Wade expressed his feelings about the news three months after it was announced that Florida Democrats were considering Wade and former NBA player Grant Hill as potential contenders for the 2024 U.S. Senate race.
Wade said he had “heard” of the discussions when The New York Times asked him about the rumors that surfaced in May after an NBC News investigation alleged Democratic donor groups had mentioned the two former basketball stars.
He then acknowledged that he had been asked about the candidacy, but laughed off all questions about whether he would really consider it.
Wade commented, “I mean, it’s just a conversation.” “‘Hi, would you be nice'” “Hi, can we see you” and “We’d love to have you.”
“I’m going to speak up and stand up for the things I’m passionate about,” he concluded. I therefore avoid getting involved in political games. I don’t know much about it.
Wade has a son, Xavier, age 9, with Aja Metoyer, as well as two children, Zaire, 21, and Zaya, 16, with his ex-wife, Siovaughn Funches. Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, had a 4-year-old daughter, Kaavia James, in 2018. Wade also serves as the legal guardian of 21-year-old Dahveon Morris.
Dwyane Wade continues to use his platform to promote change and progress and remains a symbol of resilience and determination, both in his personal life and as an influential figure in the world of sports and activism. His journey is a testament to the power of speaking up for what one believes in and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive world for all.
In conclusion, Dwyane Wade’s decision to leave Florida and make California his family’s new home reflects a deeply personal choice rooted in their desire for a nurturing and inclusive environment. While the move was influenced by concerns about their family’s safety and representation, it also underscores the broader issues many families face in today’s complex social and political environment. Dwyane Wade is an advocate for change, and his willingness to address these issues makes him a remarkable figure not only in the world of sports but also in the ongoing fight for social justice and equality. His journey serves as a reminder that athletes can be powerful voices for positive change, both on and off the court.