Dwyane Wade sends a powerful message after Angel Reese’s special All-Star gift
Dwyane Wade sends powerful message after Angel Reese’s special All-Star gift appeared first on The Sporting News. Add Sports News as a Favorite Source by clicking here.
Dwyane Wade praised Angel Reese as a role model after the Atlanta Dream star shared a fun time with her family during the WNBA All-Star Weekend.
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Angel Reese’s return to Chicago for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game included a special moment with the family of one of the city’s best basketball icons. After Saturday’s All-Star Game at the United Center, the Atlanta Dream forward stopped to talk to Dwyane Wade’s daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade. Reese asked how she was doing before surprising her with the newly released “Barbie Signature Role Models Angel Reese Doll”.
Reese also greeted Wade’s wife, actress Gabrielle Union, and his daughter Zaya Wade during their conversation. The WNBA later shared video of the exchange on social media, and Wade responded with a clear message about Reese’s impact beyond basketball.
“Role Models are important,” Wade wrote.
Angel Reese shares a special moment with the Wade family
Reese’s gift has even more meaning because the doll was created as part of the Barbie’s Role Models collection. Reese became the first professional basketball player to receive a Barbie doll of her own when the collaboration was announced in May.
The doll celebrates Reese’s influence on young fans and includes several details inspired by the WNBA star, including her “Bayou Barbie” necklace and her signature Reebok basketball shoes. Giving another doll to Kaavia gave Reese a chance to personally share the glory with one of his younger supporters.
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Wade’s answer was short, but it strengthened the way he looked at Reese. The three-time NBA champion has previously praised her for accepting the responsibility that comes with being a prominent figure in women’s basketball. Reese developed a bond with Wade and his family while playing for the Chicago Sky. Wade, who has a small stake in the franchise, publicly supported Reese during his time in Chicago.
After Reese met Kaavia near the Sky tunnel following the previous game, Wade thanked her on social media for being “a role model for all our daughters.”
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Dwyane Wade continues to support Reese after leaving Chicago
Reese is no longer a member of the Sky after being traded to the Dream during the offseason, but his relationship with the Wade family is not always strong. Wade supported Reese following the trade and described him as a “star.” Their recent collaboration has shown that his love for her goes beyond his accomplishments in a Chicago uniform.
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The timing was also perfect for Reese’s return to the city where her WNBA career began. Chicago selected Reese with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft after her successful college career at LSU. He quickly became one of the most visible young players in the league, earning two All-Star appearances before beginning the next chapter of his career in Atlanta.
Although Reese did not play in Saturday’s All-Star Game, he remained one of the most visible players throughout the weekend. His interview with Kaavia was another memorable moment, and Wade’s message helped explain why. Reese’s production and personality made her a WNBA superstar. His ability to connect with young fans has made him something more.
For Wade, that’s why role models like Reese are important.
