“I just try to show up. Whatever that looks like for you [because] all of our lives are different.” When Dwyane Wade said this in 2023, he wasn’t just talking about presence: he was speaking to intention. For him, being a father isn’t about flashy moments. It’s about consistency. Whether it’s listening, taking a quiet drive, or just being nearby, Wade finds meaning in the small things. With five kids (one is his nephew, for whom he gained full custody back in 2011) and a public life, he still makes time to be there. That’s the part he values most: showing up for what really matters.
When Zaya came out as trans, the reaction was loud and not always kind. Internet trolls and even celebrities weighed in with hateful words. People who knew nothing about her felt entitled to comment. “He’s not up there yet,” Boosie BadAzz scoffed, dismissing her identity entirely. Young Thug tweeted that “All I wanna say to dwade son is ‘GOD DONT MAKE MISTAKES’ but hey live your true self.” It was harsh, and it was everywhere. For a young girl finding herself, the world didn’t feel safe. But inside her home, there was a different story unfolding.
Instead of feeding the hate, Wade created a bubble of peace for Zaya. He tuned out the noise and focused on what she needed. In a recent interview with The Atlantic, he shared a glimpse into that love: how he picked her up in a $200,000 Maybach. He had just come from a meeting, dressed up and feeling sharp. “I was just hanging on the car, like, ‘Hey, Zaya,’” he said, smiling at the memory. Her friends laughed, and so did she. At that moment, he wasn’t a celebrity. He was just her dad.
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Dwyane Wade looks on at halftime between France and Canada in a men’s basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
But what really made it special was what came after. “Did I look cool?” he asked her with a grin. Zaya’s reply was short, but it stuck with him: “Yeah, Dad, you looked cool.” That wasn’t just about fashion or cars. It was about love, acceptance, and being seen. Zaya has said it best herself: Fathers should focus on making their kids feel safe, loved, and accepted. In their home, that message is more than words; it’s the way they live.
Dwyane Wade’s journey from washing cars to owning them
Dwyane Wade didn’t start with a mansion or a six-figure car. His first job was washing them. “One of my jobs in high school, I was a porter for a Bob Watson car company,” he once shared. Back then, he cleaned up cars for new buyers and squeezed vehicles into tight lots. It was humble, hot summer work, but it lit a spark in him.
Years later, that spark turned into chrome, horsepower, and luxury. With his first big NBA paycheck, Wade bought a custom electric blue Escalade with flashy rims and spinning wheels. That one ride opened the door to a full-blown obsession. At one point, he had over 16 cars—everything from Ferraris to a $6,000-a-month Mercedes Maybach.
But the extravagance didn’t last forever. Wade said the smartest money move he ever made was “to get rid of about 16 cars.” He downsized to an Audi Q8, but the love for cars never left. Eventually, he brought the garage back to life with better balance and a deeper appreciation for each machine.
Of course, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet is a fan favorite. He and LeBron James dubbed theirs the “Batman and Robin” cars. “Some1 pls dial 911…Me and @kingjames call these our Batman and Robin [cars],” Wade captioned a post. His garage also holds gems like a rare Mercedes-Maybach S 580 and a fiery Ferrari GTC4Lusso.
His wife, Gabrielle Union, even gifted him a 1974 Ford Bronco and a vintage 1988 Mercedes-Benz SL. These weren’t just flashy gifts—they were personal, sentimental moments on four wheels. Wade’s story shows that luxury isn’t just about money; it’s about the journey, passion, and keeping that car wash kid alive inside.
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