Jalen Green isn’t the only one adapting to a new chapter after the Rockets traded a 23-year-old security guard to the Suns earlier this month for Kevin Durant’s former teammate.
His girlfriend, Draya Michele, along with their one-year-old daughter, Rygreen, have been with him as they enjoy their offseason in Los Angeles.
“This is my first experience with a trade,” Michele, 40, mentioned in a series of interviews for a campaign. “As his girlfriend, my main role is to support him no matter where we are.”
“I always tease him and say, ‘It doesn’t matter where we move. We could go anywhere, and I’d be right there with you.’ This situation really brings together family and the car of my dreams, making it all so convenient.”
Michele, who is also a model, actress, and designer, has two sons, born in 2002 and 2016.
“We found out about the trade after hearing all those rumors,” she said. “We’re currently looking for a place in Phoenix and are enjoying getting to know the city, but we haven’t finalized anything yet.”
“Phoenix has been nice,” she noted. “I’m here to support him during this change, making things as smooth as possible without adding stress. He needs to focus on his game.”
“He shouldn’t worry about anything. My job is to take care of everything so he can just relax and play basketball.”
Personal life
Michele and Green were first linked romantically in August 2023 but tend to keep their relationship under wraps.
After welcoming their daughter last May, Michele shared with a news outlet that they’ve learned to ignore negativity online and noted the age gap of 17 years often raises eyebrows.
They recently shared their daughter’s face publicly for the first time during a campaign, with Michele reflecting on it, saying, “It was a bit scary, exciting. Now I don’t feel I need to keep her a secret.”
Michele gained fame through reality television, becoming known in the first season of VH1’s Basketball Wives LA in 2011, but she stepped away from the show in 2015 to focus on acting and her swimwear line.
With a significant following online, she acknowledged the challenges of managing public scrutiny. “You try not to let it bother you, but it can sting sometimes. I’m human and have feelings about it,” she admitted.
WAG Life
Women associated with athletes often talk about the sacrifices involved, including distance, travel, and missing important events.
Michele highlighted that there’s a shared experience among women in this situation and said, “It’s definitely a close-knit community. At the end of the day, I’m happy to support my partner and ensure he feels valued.”
She expressed enthusiasm about creating new memories in Phoenix, supporting Green just like she did while in Houston.
Green, who is now with the Suns, is recognized as one of the league’s rising talents. He contributes a significant offensive role to a team adjusting after losing Durant and Bradley Beal.
Last season, Green averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 82 games with the Rockets, shooting 42.3% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc.
Drafted second overall by Houston in the 2021 NBA Draft, he transitioned to the NBA after a season with the G League Ignite.
The Jeep Wagoneer WAGs campaign celebrates the blend of iconic vehicles and renowned women in sports.
