Few players in basketball history have built a résumé like Candace Parker. A two-time MVP, three-time WNBA champion with three different teams, Olympic gold medalist, and the only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, Parker has defined an era. But as she prepares for the ultimate honor, her Hall of Fame induction, she made sure to share that moment with someone who has always had her back: Dwyane Wade.

In a heartfelt moment shared on social media, Parker asked Wade to serve as her presenter at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. She handed him a handwritten letter, asking him to walk her into the ceremony and stand beside her on one of the biggest nights of her career. What followed was a genuinely emotional exchange between two people who clearly share a deep bond.

Wade took the letter and read it aloud, quickly realizing how personal the moment was. “Dear No. 3… always looking out for me, through Olympic gold, medals, championships… you have always had my back… It would be an absolute honor if you walk me and join me on stage at the Hall of Fame. I love you like a brother.” He smiled as he read, clearly moved, admitting he had never been asked to do something like this before.

That moment didn’t come out of nowhere. Parker and Wade share a sibling-like bond that has been visible throughout their careers. Wade has referred to her as both a little sister and a big sister at different points, and their relationship has consistently extended well beyond basketball.

Wade was there for Parker’s jersey retirement at University of Tennessee, and the two have appeared together at major events like the Cannes Lions Festival. More importantly, when Parker faced one of the biggest decisions of her career in 2021, leaving the Los Angeles Sparks to return home to the Chicago Sky, Wade was one of the people she leaned on for advice.

Parker was officially named to the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with the induction ceremony set to take place in August 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts. As her presenter, Wade will introduce Parker and speak about her career before she delivers her induction speech, one of the most personal traditions of the ceremony. And as he made clear in the video, he cannot wait to be part of that moment.

Candace Parker Calls Hall of Fame Induction “Super Special,” Pays Tribute to Basketball Trailblazers

For Parker, this honor goes far beyond another accolade. Speaking on the Post Moves podcast with Aliyah Boston, she made it clear how personal the moment is. “It’s a huge honor, obviously,” she said.

Part of that emotion is tied to her roots. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee holds deep meaning for Parker because of the state’s impact on the sport. “I’m super proud that it’s in Knoxville because Tennessee has helped build what women’s basketball is today,” she said. “I remember watching Pat Summitt’s speech, so this is super special.”

The moment carries even more weight when you look at the class she is joining. Parker will be inducted alongside Chamique Holdsclaw, a lifelong idol she calls a “sister,” Elena Delle Donne, a longtime rival, and the iconic 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team. “I am so happy for Chamique, she deserves her flowers,” Parker said. “Elena Delle Donne and I grew up battling, and the ’96 team inspired all of us. It’s truly special.”

For Parker, this is a full-circle moment. “It means so much to be in a group of people I’ve always admired and who paved the way,” she said. For someone who spent her career inspiring the next generation, being welcomed into that same group, with Wade by her side, is the perfect ending to an all-time great journey.