Just days after leading the nation to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Bam Adebayo is back in the headlines because of his alleged relationship with A’ja Wilson. The dating rumors initially peaked during Team USA Men’s Basketball training camp at Mendenhall Center in Las Vegas. Shaquille O’Neal quickly picked up on the potential romance and didn’t hesitate to fan the flames.
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According to reports, Wilson, the talisman of the local WNBA franchise, Las Vegas Aces, was spotted having a meal with Adebayo. They reportedly spent quality time together, which seemed like one of their first public appearances as a couple.
Another OFFICIAL picture. Bam Adebayo and A’ja Wilson spotted together in Vegas . pic.twitter.com/GGDyNGyPId
— NBA & NFL GOSSIP (@nbagossippp) July 9, 2024
The gossip gained more traction when people saw Wilson sitting courtside during Team USA’s 98-87 Olympic final win against France. She reportedly even congratulated the Miami Heat star on winning his second gold medal.
Adebayo returned the gesture the following day. He was in attendance when Wilson’s double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds helped Team USA Women’s Basketball secure a thrilling 67-66 victory in the Olympic final against the host nation.
What followed only sparked further speculations. The duo publicly exchanged a quick and low-five handshake after the game. Many fans felt that this marked the official announcement of their relationship.
A’ja & Bam really got a secret handshake?? …Yeah they not beating the allegations pic.twitter.com/IfUDoWSkxZ
— (@dennis_k_g) August 11, 2024
More details about their time together in Paris recently emerged on social media. An Instagram video from a fan account showed the couple leaving a shopping mall. Adebayo appeared to avoid interacting with fans to rush out of the place. Wilson contrastingly walked calmly behind him. They soon got into a car together and drove away from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
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As if that wasn’t enough to keep the buzz going, Shaq delivered the final blow. He shared the footage on his Instagram story to intensify those dating rumors.
Bam Adebayo hanging out with A’ja Wilson peaked Shaq’s attention pic.twitter.com/Yxitj4iRU4
— What are (W)NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) August 21, 2024
However, Shaq wasn’t the first one to spill the beans. Earlier, Jamie Jaquez Jr. indirectly dropped a hint during a video game livestream in late June. When asked about his Heat teammate’s relationship status, the 23-year-old chose not to comment. Instead, he invoked the Fifth Amendment.
“Listen, I’m not saying nothing. I cannot confirm or deny anything I don’t know. I plead the 5th”.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. on if Bam Adebayo is dating A’ja Wilson:
“I plead the 5th”
HUGE SHOUTOUT TO @Disobey_y for ALL these clips pic.twitter.com/zMfmrjew7u
— JJJ Muse (@JaimeJaquezMuse) June 22, 2024
All signs point to Adebayo and Wilson emerging as the new power couple of the basketball world. Fans are eagerly waiting for their beloved superstars to announce their relationship officially. In the meantime, they might continue to piece together stories from the ongoing gossip.