Real Estate

Dwyane Wade sold Florida house because state won’t accept his transgender child

Dwyane Wade revealed that he sold his longtime Florida home of over a decade — because he believed the state was not accepting of his transgender kid.

Instead, he’s now living in California full-time.

The 41-year-old former basketball player and his wife, the actress Gabrielle Union, traded their massive waterfront Miami home for a whopping $22 million back in 2021.

The sale came nearly two years after it first hit the market at $32.5 million. But without any offers, the couple was forced to slash the price by nearly $10 million.

They still ended up walking away with a hefty profit. Wade and Union, 50, purchased the home in 2010 for $10.6 million.

Made up of six bedrooms and 9.5 bathrooms, the property occupies 11,690 square feet and is located on the northern tip of Miami Beach.

Outdoor amenities include an expansive waterfront heated pool, a cabana, an outdoor bar and a barbecue area. There’s also a custom-made basketball court, a tennis court, a private boat dock and a manicured courtyard. 

Other features include a hair salon, a fitness room and a home theater. 

The Florida home measures 11,690 square feet. Douglas Elliman
The loggia. Douglas Elliman
The courtyard. Douglas Elliman
The great room. Douglas Elliman

During his career with the Miami Heat, Wade brought South Florida three NBA championships over more than 14 full seasons.

But the retired NBA player said ultimately he and his family no longer live in the Sunshine State over fears that they would not “feel comfortable there.”

Wade’s 15-year-old child Zaya came out as a transgender girl in 2020. The former NBA star fought and won in a Los Angeles court to legally change Zaya’s name and gender, despite objections from the biological mother.

“That’s another reason why I don’t live in that state,” Wade told Rachel Nichols in an interview on “Headliners”

The kitchen. Douglas Elliman
The family room. Douglas Elliman
The movie theater. Douglas Elliman
The primary bedroom. Douglas Elliman

“A lot of people don’t know that. I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions,” Wade said.

“I mean, obviously, the tax [situation] is great … But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And so that’s one of the reasons why I don’t live there.”

Wade’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, had prevented Zaya from receiving an updated birth certificate, but the NBA legend insisted it was in his child’s “best interest.”

The primary bathroom. Douglas Elliman
The home offers lounge areas, a pool and waterfront views. Douglas Elliman
The outdoor kitchen. Douglas Elliman

“This Petition is about empowering Zaya to live her truth,” a November court document said regarding Zaya, who has identified as female since the age of 12.

“A court order affirming her identity will allow Zaya to live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life — from simple introductions and food orders, to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications,” Wade added.

Now the couple, Zaya, and their 4-year old daughter, Kaavia James, reside in Hidden Hills, California, after they purchased a sprawling $22.75 million estate there in 2020.

Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union’s California home where they currently reside. The Friedman Group

This new home comprises three levels and occupies 22,000 square feet. And it doesn’t look like they will be giving up any new amenities.

The home also includes a home theater, a spa and sauna, a wine room and a 12-car garage with a turntable.