The friction between the Chicago Sky and its own star hasn’t improved. Angel Reese’s suspension after she called out teammates and skipped practices and some games, but reading between the lines of Sky’s statement – as their GM said, “moving on as a team”  – it appears that the team isn’t clinging to Angel anymore. It could be a general statement when even one of the co-owners has moved on from Reese. Dwyane Wade was the most vocal Angel cheerleader alongside his entire family. However, he’s now looking outside the franchise for a role model for his daughter.

Especially after A’ja Wilson made history with her fourth MVP win this year. D-Wade went as far as to say that the 29-year-old might be on track to become the G{W)OAT of women’s basketball. While he won’t call it until Wilson officially retires, he believes Wilson’s resume so far brings her very close.

“She’s a role model. Not saying she’s trying to be one or not, she is.” He further adds, “And if my daughter wants to be an athlete, and wants to, that’s an example right here. If she’s doing a camp, she’s doing anything, go to A1, because she’s got it and she’s great. So, you know, obviously, man, I love it.”

With Kaavia slowly getting into basketball, she can take inspiration from Wilson. Wade believes young girls can look at A’ja and aspire to be the woman and athlete A1 is. As Wilson has many years left in her, she’s got more championship and MVP potential that will make her aspirational.

Wade already knows who he wants his daughter to be like. Even though Kaavia had declared Angel Reese her idol.

Dwyane Wade’s daughter had chosen Angel Reese

Kaavia James Union-Wade will turn eight in November, and she’s still learning what she likes. She’s a dancer and better on TikTok than her mom. But Dwyane Wade revealed he’s been coaching her in basketball a bit. Zaya Wade, who is Kaavia’s first role model, is not into the sport, though she was a good volleyball player.

She encourages Kaavia to do what she likes while Dwyane is still struggling to differentiate between coach and dad.

Something that would’ve helped Kaavia lean more toward basketball was Angel Reese. D-Wade had brought a minority stake in Chicago Sky only a few months before the team selected Reese 7th overall in the 2024 WNBA draft. In the first few games the Wade-Union fam attended, Kaavia’s fascination with Angel went viral.

It wasn’t difficult. Kaavia is obsessed with Barbie. Angel Reese has gone by Bayou Barbie at LSU and Chi-Town Barbie at Sky. As Gabrielle Union said, “Once Kaav heard [Angel Reese] went by Barbie, Stan for life.” Kaavia even steals Gab’s heels to be tall like the 6’3″ forward.

Union thanked Angel for being a great role model to their daughters last year. 2025, though, went differently for Angel. She was sidelined by injuries and the Sky was underwhelming. After a public tirade, the team suspended Reese and announced that she, along with Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins won’t attend exit interviews.

Reese hinted and several analysts predicted that she will leave Sky before the next season. Wade has not commented on the situation but possibly is letting the basketball operations to resolve it. His focus is on Kaavia and helping her choose the right role model.