How Much Younger Is Phoenix Suns Star Jalen Green Than His Daughter’s Mother Draya Michele?
Jalen Green has made headlines for more than just his play on the court. He’s also made news in the past for his high-profile relationship and split with Basketball Wives LA alum Draya Michele.
The relationship between the Phoenix Suns guard and the reality TV star became one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings in recent years, largely because of the public reaction to their age difference.
The two were first romantically linked in 2023. At the time, Green was an emerging NBA star in his early 20s, while Michele, who was known for Basketball Wives and a few other business ventures, was in her late 30s.
Before Green, Michele was in relationships with other high-profile stars and athletes, including R&B singer Chris Brown, and former NFL players Tyrod Taylor and Orlando Scandrick. All were younger than Michele. However, what raised eyebrows about her relationship with Green is that they have a larger 17-year age gap. Not only that, Michele’s oldest son, Kniko Howard, is the same age as Green.
Michele publicly dismissed the backlash, calling it “ageist,” and supporters argued that both were consenting adults.
Despite the controversy, the couple continued their relationship and largely ignored public criticism. Then, on Mother’s Day in 2024, they welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lyght. She is Michele’s third child and Green’s second. He has another daughter with social media influencer Myah Lakopo.
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The proud parents publicly talked about their lives following the arrival of their daughter, with Green telling SportsTalk 790, “Fatherhood is great, I cannot complain. My baby is beautiful, healthy, she’s amazing.”
Michele shared on social media how Lyght’s birth date held a bittersweet meaning for her, writing, “In 2021, on Mother’s Day, my dad passed away. Since then, it’s been extremely hard to celebrate … This Mother’s Day was different. My daughter was safely brought into this world, and I’m forever grateful for the new memories we all get to experience moving forward.”
However, Michele and Green couldn’t escape the chatter that there was trouble in paradise. There were numerous reports that they were having issues, including a heated public argument in September 2025 that fueled speculation about the stability of their relationship.
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Eventually, rumors began circulating that the model and Suns player had split, along with claims and several theories about why they broke up.
In the end, their relationship did not last and in February 2025, several outlets confirmed that Green and Michele had broken up, though the exact reason they called it quits is unknown.
Their story highlights how celebrity relationships–especially those that challenge social norms–often become larger cultural conversations about age and public perception.
