Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade had a trying childhood after his biological father left when he was 4. His mother, Jolinda Wade, was addicted to drugs and was arrested multiple times during his childhood. Jolinda served 23 months in prison after being convicted as a drug dealer and was eventually able to turn her life around. According to CBN, Jolinda has been clean since 2003 and continues to be a big part of her son’s life. This is apparent with Dwyane’s decision to dedicate his purchase of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky at an $85,000,000 valuation, according to Sportico. Raised in South Chicago himself, Wade’s humungous success has allowed him to become a minority owner in his 2nd basketball franchise. Wade joined the ownership group of the Utah Jazz, back in 2021.
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The tremendous achievement comes after a difficult childhood that threw a range of challenges at Dwyane. The 3-time NBA champion and his sister Tragil eventually moved to Illinois with his father, leading to a period during which he didn’t see his mother. Regardless, Wade has obviously managed to overcome his obstacles and has built an impressive legacy both on and off the court.
Dwyane Wade dedicates purchase of Chicago Sky to mother Jolinda
After spending a considerable time of his early childhood in Chicago, Wade obviously has a special connection with the city. Jolinda, after years of drug trouble, has managed a tremendous turnaround in her life.
She is currently an entrepreneur, speaker, and author who regularly talks about her struggles with drug addiction. Considering her connection to Chicago, Dwyane ended up dedicating his purchase to his mother. He shared a post by ESPN announcing his purchase along with the following caption:
“MaMa this one is for you @jolindaw”
Chicago native Dwyane Wade dedicated Team Sky ownership to mother Jolinda pic.twitter.com/EaIB1YLPyu
— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) July 14, 2023
The Chicago Sky won their first WNBA title in 2021 and are at a critical juncture with an ambitious expansion plan. Wade is one of the few minority investors who has joined the ownership group at an $85 million valuation recently.
Jolinda Wade was arrested for drug possession back in 1994
Jolinda has previously revealed that she used multiple drugs and once got into a medical emergency due to the overuse of opioids and other narcotics. Wade was first arrested in 1994 for possession of drugs with intent to sell.
Speaking to CBN, she had revealed that Dwyane had no idea why she was behind bars, something that broke her heart. However, her troubles with drugs did not end there, and Jolinda served another sentence of 23 months, during which she ended up absconding, in 1997.
Jolinda Wade looks on as her son @DwyaneWade is introduced as the newest member of the @chicagobulls! pic.twitter.com/aTfAq12Lj4
— NBA (@NBA) July 29, 2016
After spending considerable time as a fugitive on the run, Jolinda decided to change her life in October 2001, after attending a Church service. She underwent rehabilitation and has been clean since 2003.
While the years of drug trouble put both of her children in danger, Jolinda’s remarkable turnaround still serves as an inspiration to many. That obviously includes her son, who ended up dedicating the major Chicago Sky purchase to Jolinda.
