It was during this period that he developed a strong connection to basketball, often playing with his stepbrothers and friends—including Siohvaughn Funches, who would later become his high school sweetheart and eventually his wife. The two shared a close bond, even attending their senior prom together. When his father and stepmother faced difficulties, Siohvaughn's mother offered Wade a place to live during his senior year, further strengthening their relationship.

Marriage, Divorce, and Custody Disputes

Dwyane Wade married Siohvaughn Funches in 2002. However, after years of marital difficulties, he filed for divorce in 2007, and the divorce was finalized in 2010 following a highly contentious legal battle. The court ultimately granted Wade sole custody of their two sons in 2011, citing his stable environment and greater capacity to meet the children’s needs.

The divorce process drew significant public and media attention. While Funches claimed that she received an unfair settlement and alleged financial and emotional mistreatment, Wade stated that he paid her monthly financial support estimated around $25,000 and allowed her to retain their Chicago home. Funches later made public appearances claiming she was homeless, a statement Wade's legal team disputed, asserting that she was adequately provided for.

One of the settlement conditions included a mutual agreement to refrain from publicly disparaging one another. Wade has expressed regret over the deterioration of their relationship but maintains that his priority has always been his children. Despite the acrimony, he has expressed hope for building a cooperative co-parenting relationship in the future.