After months of quiet speculation linking Angel Reese and Wendell Carter Jr. together, the Orlando Magic center finally acknowledged their relationship late last month. Since then, with their relationship publicly acknowledged, Carter just delivered his most heartfelt and public gesture yet.

In the latest clash in the NBA, the Orlando Magic locked horns with the Miami Heat at the Kia Center, Orlando and came out victorious by just one point. However, what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t the win or a performance by any player; it was Carter’s sneaker choice that stole the night, as the Magic big man took the floor in Reese’s signature shoes, Angel Reese 1s in the bold “Receipts Ready” colorway.

This gesture, which left many fans in awe, comes after the NBA veteran appeared on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” with Lou Williams, Chandler Parsons, and Michelle Beadle, where he, while vaguely but still, confirmed his relationship with the WNBA superstar, Angel Reese.

“That’s the homie for sure,” he said, unable to control his smile. “We locked in. Y’all gonna find out when y’all need to find out. We’ll just leave it at that. That’s my girl, though. We locked in for sure.”

While this may be Carter’s first on-court gesture since the rumors heated up, the speculation around the two has been building for months. The buzz first picked up back in May, when Carter was seen celebrating Reese’s 23rd birthday with her.

A few months later, he showed up again in her corner, this time at the WNBA All-Star Game, wearing a shirt with Angel Reese’s photo on it, which only added fuel to the fire.

Reese, on the other hand, has kept a steady presence around the Magic throughout the season. Even during the WNBA offseason, when players spend their time recovering, trying new activities, or playing overseas, Reese spent considerable time in Florida, often appearing courtside at Orlando’s games and drawing attention with each visit.

Even with neither of them confirming details beyond Carter’s brief acknowledgment, their appearances, gestures, and now his decision to take the court in her signature sneaker have made one thing clear: the connection between the two stars is no longer just a rumor, and while Carter wearnig headlines for obvious reasons, it also shined a spotlight on something much bigger: the rise of Angel Reese’s signature shoe line.

Angel Reese’s shoes are the talk of the town

Angel Reese signed a deal with Reebok to launch her first signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, in four colorways, back in September. However, with her massive fan following, the shoes sold out within minutes of their launch.

While in the beginning, the shoes were only launched in three main styles: ‘Diamond Dust’, ‘Mebounds’ (pink), and ‘Receipts Ready’ (black/white), due to the demand for them.

Reebok continues to launch new editions, such as ‘Charm City’, ‘Tiago’, and ‘Midnight Diamond Dust’, in an effort to meet fans’ requirements. Recently, the AR1s just expanded into Big Kids’ sizes, marking a major step in the brand’s long-term plan around the Chicago Sky star.

Top Stories

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Josh Allen Incident

Tiger Woods Gives Fan 1-Word Reply About PGA Tour Comeback Amid Leaked Schedule

NFL Makes Punishment Decision Against Cowboys on Chiefs’ Incident in Thanksgiving Game

Aryna Sabalenka Caught off Guard As Ball Kid Delivers Stunning Feat at Match-Point

Paige Spiranac Rubs Salt in Colt Knost’s Wounds With Latest Comments on His Amateur Golf Dreams

Sophie Cunningham’s Sharp Response Divides WNBA Fans Amid Caitlin Clark’s Project B Decision

The youth rollout will arrive in colorways such as Paradise Pink, Black, and Ftwr White, allowing Reebok to directly push Reese’s influence to a younger audience.

“The Angel Reese 1 represents years of hard work, determination, and perseverance — not just from me, but from my fans and the incredible team around me,” Reese said. “I want the Angel Reese 1 to deliver confidence with every step, whether you’re competing on the court or making your mark off of it,” Angel Reese said in an interview with ANDSCAPE when the shoes launched.

The brand is now leaning heavily into her crossover appeal — not just as a WNBA standout, but as a cultural figure who resonates with kids and young athletes.