The internet practically imploded when a grainy photo of Draya Michele and Jalen Green first surfaced at a basketball camp back in 2023. It wasn't just the fact that she’s a reality TV legend and he’s an NBA star. It was the math. People love to do the math.
Honestly, the conversation around Draya and Jalen Green usually starts and ends with their 17-year age gap. He was born in 2002; she had her first son, Kniko, that same year. When you put it like that, it sounds like a headline written specifically to trigger Twitter discourse. And it did. But if you actually look at the timeline, there is a lot more going on than just a "scandalous" pairing.
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They aren't just a couple you see in the "Page Six" sidebar anymore. Since those first rumors in August 2023, they’ve moved past the "just dating" phase into a full-blown family unit, navigating a high-profile pregnancy, a major career trade, and the kind of digital vitriol that would make most people delete their apps forever.
The Relationship That Refused to Break
Most celebrity flings that start with a "DM slide" (which is how Jalen reportedly initiated things, by the way) fizzle out once the season ends or the backlash gets too loud. This one didn't. Instead, it got quiet. They stopped posting each other as much, which, in the world of influencer culture, usually means things are over.
Actually, they were just nesting.
By March 2024, Draya dropped the bombshell that she was expecting. She was 39 at the time. The announcement was gorgeous—high-fashion editorial shots showcasing her bump—but the comment sections were a war zone. People weren't just surprised; they were angry. There were accusations of "predatory behavior" on her end and "cluelessness" on his.
They didn't care. Or at least, they pretended not to.
Draya later told TMZ that she didn't understand the problem. She basically said, "We're two adults in love." It’s a simple sentiment, but one that feels almost rebellious in an era where everyone feels entitled to a vote on who you date.
Welcome to the World, Lyght Green
On Mother’s Day 2024, their daughter was born. For Draya, the timing was heavy. Her father had passed away on Mother’s Day three years prior, a day she once described as "earth-shattering." Bringing a new life into the world on that same anniversary felt like a cosmic shift.
They named her Lyght Green.
Yes, spelled with a "y." The name choice, revealed officially in June 2025, sparked a whole new round of memes. "Lyght Green" sounds like a Crayon color or a traffic signal, according to the Reddit critics. But for the couple, it was clearly a symbolic choice. They kept her face off social media for nearly a year, a move that’s becoming more common for celebs who want to give their kids a shot at a normal infancy. When Jalen finally shared photos of her in her Burberry-clad nursery, she looked exactly like a mini-Draya.
The family dynamic is... unique. You've got Kniko, who is 23 now, and Jru, her middle son who is about 9. Then there’s Lyght. Jalen, at 23, is essentially the same age as Draya's oldest son. It’s the kind of modern family structure that makes traditionalists twitch, but by all accounts, they’ve made it work. Kniko has even been seen courtside with his mom, supporting his "stepdad" (though they aren't married) during games.
The Phoenix Shift and Career Moves
While the tabloids were focused on the baby, the NBA was focused on the court. Jalen Green was the cornerstone of the Houston Rockets’ rebuild for years. He’s a walking highlight reel—explosive, fast, and capable of scoring 30 points on any given night.
But 2025 brought a massive curveball.
In a blockbuster seven-team deal, Jalen was traded from the Rockets to the Phoenix Suns. This was his first time being traded, and it wasn't easy. Moving a life from Texas to Arizona while raising a toddler is a lot for anyone. Draya, ever the businesswoman, pivoted immediately. She’s been the "WAG" (Wives and Girlfriends) veteran for years—having dated or been engaged to guys like Tyrod Taylor and Orlando Scandrick—so she knew the drill.
She took it in stride, even becoming the face of a Jeep campaign called "WAGS in Wags" around the same time. She’s also moved her business focus toward "clean living." She’s got the garden, the chickens, and she’s even investing in air purification tech through a brand called Sereniby. It’s a far cry from the Basketball Wives days where she was known for poolside brawls and "fine ass girl" energy. She’s 40 now. She’s evolving.
Why the Backlash Still Stings
Despite the "I don't care" attitude, Draya has admitted that the comments get to her. In a 2025 interview with Inquirer USA, she got real about it.
"You're still human and you still have feelings," she said.
She even called out the "ageist" double standards. If an older male athlete dates a 20-year-old model, it’s a Tuesday. When Draya does it, it’s a national debate. She’s pointed out that society seems to have a specific expiration date for when a woman is "allowed" to be with a younger, successful man.
Dealing with the "Other" Baby News
Adding another layer to the drama, Jalen Green actually became a father twice in 2024. Just three months before Lyght was born, a student named Myah Iakopo gave birth to his daughter, Moira.
This is the part most people gloss over when talking about Draya and Jalen Green. It adds a level of complexity to their "modern love story" that isn't always easy to package for Instagram. Navigating co-parenting with an ex while building a new family with a much older partner is a lot of "life" to happen in your early 20s. Jalen seems to be handling it by putting his head down and playing ball. For the 2025-2026 season, he’s been hovering around 15 to 20 points per game, proving that the off-court noise hasn't totally derailed his development.
Practical Realities for Fans and Observers
If you’re following this saga, it’s important to look past the "clout chasing" labels. Draya Michele was a multi-millionaire with successful brands like Mint Swim long before she met Jalen. She didn't need his $100 million contract to pay her bills. Conversely, Jalen isn't just some "lost kid"; he’s a professional athlete who has been in the spotlight since he was a teenager.
Next Steps for Staying Updated:
- Watch the Court: Follow the Phoenix Suns’ schedule to see how Jalen’s role evolves in a new system. His chemistry with veteran players will be the real test of his maturity this season.
- Follow the Business: Check out Draya’s latest ventures in the wellness space. Her shift from fast fashion to sustainable, clean living is a blueprint for how reality stars can rebrand in their 40s.
- Filter the Noise: When you see a viral clip of them—like the Whistle "Relationship Quiz" where Draya joked about having a license longer than he’s been alive—remember it’s curated entertainment. The "real" work is happening behind the scenes in Phoenix.