Chicago Sky co-owner and NBA icon Dwyane Wade has once again proven that when it comes to showing love and respect, he’s as clutch off the court as he was during his Miami Heat days. This time, Wade chimed in with an emoji assist on WNBA superstar Candace Parker’s heartwarming birthday post for her wife, Anna Petrakova. And let’s be honest—nothing says “I see you” in the social media era quite like a perfectly placed double-heart comment.
The post in question? A tearjerker-slash-lovefest that Parker shared, combining Russian and English (flex much?) to wish her wife a happy birthday:
“Happy Birthday моя женщина! I love you ❤️ actions > words.”
Accompanied by an adorable carousel of memories, the post was as mushy as it gets without violating Instagram’s PDA policy. Parker, a two-time MVP, EuroLeague winner, and the queen of making highlight plays look casual, reminded everyone she’s also an MVP in matters of the heart.
Not to be outdone, Wade, who’s evidently fluent in Instagramese, dropped the ultra-efficient “❤️❤️.” In the unwritten book of online etiquette, that’s the equivalent of a standing ovation. Bravo, Mr. Wade. Bravo.
A Love Story That Defies Zone Defense
Parker and Petrakova’s relationship is like a basketball playbook—full of strategy, surprises, and championships. The duo, who first bonded while playing overseas for a Russian team in 2012, tied the knot in 2019. In true championship form, they welcomed their first child, Airr Larry, in 2021, and added another future baller, Hartt Summitt, to the roster in May 2024.
But this isn’t just about love—it’s about domination on and off the court. Parker’s resume is a mic drop: three WNBA championships, two league MVPs, and five Russian national titles (because why not?). Her wife Petrakova? A perfect partner to match her energy, whether it’s in parenting or taking over the basketball world.
Wade and Parker: No. 3s and Lifelong Fans of Allen Iverson
Here’s a plot twist: Wade and Parker have more in common than just their mutual respect and admiration. Both rocked the No. 3 jersey in honor of their shared idol, Allen Iverson—the man who made cornrows, crossovers, and confidence synonymous with basketball.
Parker’s love for Iverson goes way back to her teenage years when she rocked Iverson’s iconic finger bands like they were trophies. Meanwhile, Wade’s admiration for “The Answer” runs deeper, crediting Iverson as a beacon of resilience for Black men growing up in challenging communities.
Wade even took a moment during his 2023 Hall of Fame induction to give Iverson his flowers. “He gave me the image of how it could be done coming from the broken community that I came from,” Wade said, reminding everyone why he’s not just a legend but also a class act.
What’s Next for This Dynamic Duo?
While Parker’s Hall of Fame induction isn’t official yet (mark your calendars for 2027), Wade’s recent plunge into WNBA ownership has fans buzzing. As the Chicago Sky’s co-owner, Wade has joined forces with Parker in championing women’s basketball. Move over, Magic Johnson—there’s a new retired NBA legend making waves in the WNBA, and he’s bringing his signature flair with him.
So, whether it’s heart emojis, shared basketball idols, or Hall of Fame aspirations, Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker prove they’re not just game changers—they’re redefining the game entirely. As for the rest of us? We’ll just sit back and enjoy the highlight reel.
