Dwyane Wade drops 2-word reaction on Candace Parker after $39 billion brand signs Kaleena Smith to multi-year shoe deal
Even though he is no longer in the NBA, Dwyane Wade still has close ties to the basketball world. He recently applauded a WNBA icon as she thrives in her new role post-retirement.
After putting an end to her playing days in 2024, Candace Parker quickly transitioned into a new role with Adidas, which has a market cap of $39 billion (per Bloomberg). Adidas hired the two-time MVP to lead the women's basketball division of the company.
This week, Parker and Adidas announced that they have inked an NIL deal with one of the biggest up-and-comers in women's basketball, Kaleena Smith, the top-rated recruit in the class of 2027.
Upon seeing this news, Dwyane Wade took to social media to congratulate Parker on this deal. He put up a photo on his Instagram story, dubbing her "The Godmother."
Wade, a Chicago native himself, just missed the chance to work closely with Parker. He invested in the Chicago Sky in 2023, the year she left her hometown team to join the Las Vegas Aces.
Dwyane Wade has long been a fan of Candace Parker
Dwyane Wade sharing the Adidas news is far from the first time he has gone out of his way to applaud Candace Parker. He has been an avid supporter of hers dating back to her playing days in the WNBA.
The Miami Heat legend was one of the many to congratulate her for her success with the Chicago Sky. After a 13-year run with the LA Sparks, she made the decision to return home. In her first season with the Sky, she was able to help deliver the franchise its first championship.
Following their finals victory, Dwyane Wade took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate her on winning a title in her hometown.
Parker, a former No. 1 pick, only spent two seasons with the Sky. Aside from winning a championship in 2021, she was an All-Star in both years with the team. Parker played 55 games for Chicago, averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
As her playing career has come to an end, Parker has taken on multiple opportunities to hang around the game. Similar to Wade, she's served as an analyst for TNT with the famous "Inside The NBA" crew. Now, Adidas has brought in the WNBA legend to help lure future stars to the famous brand.