5 Surprising Facts About Dwyane Wade's Kids: The Latest On Zaya, Zaire, And The 'Shady Baby' In 2025
Dwyane Wade's family has captured the public eye as much as his legendary NBA career, evolving into a powerful symbol of modern, blended family life and unconditional love. As of late 2025, the children of the Miami Heat icon are making headlines for their own unique achievements and life milestones, stepping out of their father's shadow to forge distinct paths in fashion, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
The former NBA star and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, continue to champion their five children and nephew, fostering an environment where each child is encouraged to live their truth. From Zaya's groundbreaking journey as a transgender youth to Zaire's shift into the business world and Kaavia's viral "Shady Baby" persona, the Wade children are proving that legacy is about more than just basketball.
Dwyane Wade's Children: A Complete Family Biography (2025)
Dwyane Wade is a father to four children and serves as the legal guardian for his nephew, Dahveon Morris, creating a dynamic and loving blended family unit. Here is a complete profile of the Wade children as of December 2025:
- Zaire Blessing Dwyane Wade
- Born: February 4, 2002
- Age in 2025: 23
- Mother: Siohvaughn Funches (Wade's ex-wife)
- Latest Update: Transitioned from professional basketball to content creation and business.
- Zaya Wade (formerly Zion Malachi Airamis Wade)
- Born: May 29, 2007
- Age in 2025: 18
- Mother: Siohvaughn Funches (Wade's ex-wife)
- Latest Update: Started college and is a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fashion.
- Xavier Zechariah Wade
- Born: November 10, 2013
- Age in 2025: 12
- Mother: Aja Metoyer
- Latest Update: Continues to be co-parented, with Wade emphasizing the importance of their relationship in his memoir.
- Kaavia James Union Wade
- Born: November 7, 2018
- Age in 2025: 7
- Mother: Gabrielle Union (via surrogate)
- Latest Update: Started 1st grade and is a social media phenomenon known as "Shady Baby."
- Dahveon Morris
- Role: Dwyane Wade's nephew (legal guardian since 2011)
- Latest Update: Lives with the family and is an integral part of the blended family structure.
Zaya Wade’s College Journey and Newfound Happiness in 2025
The biggest news surrounding the Wade family in 2025 revolves around Zaya Wade. Zaya, now 18, has officially started her college career, marking a major milestone for the young woman who has become a leading voice for transgender youth.
Her parents, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, have been vocal about their pride and support for Zaya as she transitions into adulthood. Zaya’s visibility has only increased this year, with her making high-profile appearances that solidify her status as a fashion and advocacy icon. She was recently seen alongside her parents on the Out100 red carpet and even attended the 2025 Met Gala.
Most importantly, Zaya has shared that she has "never been happier" since starting estrogen, a deeply personal update that underscores the family's dedication to her well-being and authentic self-expression. This public declaration of happiness serves as a powerful message of hope and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing the Wade family’s role as outspoken allies.
Her college enrollment and continued advocacy work demonstrate a young woman confidently embracing her identity and future, proving that her life is a testament to the power of a supportive family environment. The focus on her education and personal growth shows a commitment to a well-rounded life beyond the spotlight.
Zaire Wade’s Major Career Shift: From G League to Content Creation
Dwyane Wade's eldest son, Zaire Wade, is making a significant change in his career path as of 2025. At 23, Zaire has put his professional basketball aspirations on hold, signaling a move away from the court where he had played for the NBA G League's Salt Lake City Stars and the Basketball Africa League (BAL)'s Cape Town Tigers.
Instead, Zaire is pivoting into the lucrative world of content creation and entrepreneurship. This shift highlights a desire to forge his own identity outside of the NBA shadow. He has begun focusing on a new field, which includes a focus on jewelry and digital content, a move that is both surprising and reflective of the modern landscape for young public figures.
His decision to step away from the sport that defined his father's life speaks to the pressure of living up to a legendary name. The move into the $117.51 billion industry of digital media and content creation is a bold step that allows Zaire to capitalize on his family's fame while building his own brand and following. This entrepreneurial spirit is a new chapter for the eldest Wade child, showcasing his versatility and drive.
The Rise of 'Shady Baby': Kaavia James and Her 1st Grade Milestone
The youngest member of the immediate Wade family, Kaavia James Union Wade, continues to be a social media darling, often referred to by her affectionate nickname, "Shady Baby." Kaavia, who turned 7 in late 2025, recently celebrated a major life event: starting 1st grade.
Kaavia's expressive, often unimpressed facial expressions have made her a viral sensation, with her parents, Dwyane and Gabrielle Union, frequently sharing her hilarious moments online. Her "shady" persona, which is the title of a children's book co-authored by her parents, has turned her into a miniature brand ambassador for sass and confidence.
Her journey into the school system marks a new phase, moving from a toddler phenomenon to a young girl navigating the world. The updates about Kaavia are a constant source of joy for fans, offering a glimpse into the lighter, day-to-day moments of the high-profile family. Her parents often document her dance recitals and family tributes, emphasizing her role as "the spark to our joy in dark times."
Xavier and the Importance of Co-Parenting
While Zaya, Zaire, and Kaavia often dominate the headlines, Dwyane Wade's son Xavier Zechariah Wade, born in 2013 to Aja Metoyer, remains a central part of the blended family. Xavier is now 12 years old and is being co-parented by Dwyane Wade and his mother.
Wade has publicly addressed the complexities of co-parenting in his photographic memoir, Dwyane, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with all his children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. This commitment to all his children is a cornerstone of the Wade family values. The inclusion of Xavier, alongside Dahveon Morris, in the family narrative reinforces the concept of a modern, non-traditional family structure that prioritizes love and support above all else.
The entity of the "blended family" is a key theme for the Wades. The children—Zaire, Zaya, Xavier, and Kaavia, plus Dahveon—all interact and support one another, a dynamic often shared by Gabrielle Union on social media, showcasing a united front that has resonated with many families facing similar co-parenting challenges.
The Wade Family's Enduring Legacy of Advocacy and Support
The collective story of Dwyane Wade's children in 2025 is less about celebrity offspring and more about the power of intentional parenting. The family's open dialogue about Zaya's identity has made them global advocates for transgender rights and acceptance. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have used their platform to challenge societal norms and protect their children, even facing public scrutiny and political commentary.
This commitment to advocacy, coupled with Zaire’s entrepreneurial shift and Kaavia’s confident personality, paints a picture of a family dedicated to helping each member thrive authentically. Their story continues to evolve, proving that the most enduring legacy D-Wade will leave is not just his three NBA championships, but the confident, diverse, and well-adjusted young adults and children he is raising.
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