Draya Michele has faced a whirlwind of criticism surrounding her relationship with Houston Rockets star Jalen Green, but the couple has remained unfazed by the negativity. Their bond appears stronger than ever, as they continue to celebrate major milestones together.
Draya, 39, and Jalen, 22, first made headlines when they began dating in August 2023, with many critics focusing on their 17-year age difference. Despite the backlash, the couple has stood firm, making it clear that outside opinions won’t affect their relationship.
In an interview with TMZ, Draya shared how they manage to stay grounded. “We try to stay off the internet and not really listen to that kind of stuff,” she said. “We block it out and mind our business.”
Addressing the criticism directly, Draya expressed her confusion over why their relationship attracted such scrutiny. “Two adults being in love—why that would rub people the wrong way is beyond me. It’s kind of weird,” she added. The couple has since proven that they’re more focused on their happiness than on the judgment of others.
In May 2024, Draya and Jalen welcomed their baby girl, marking a new chapter in their lives as they embraced parenthood together. But the celebrations didn’t stop there. Just recently, Jalen secured a massive contract extension with the Houston Rockets, agreeing to a three-year, $106 million deal.
As soon as the news broke, Draya proudly showed her support on social media, posting a playful yet proud message on Instagram: “Congrats!!! Term short. Money lonnnnng!”
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Jalen Green’s rise to NBA stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. A highly coveted prospect, Green was a consensus five-star recruit and the top-ranked shooting guard in the Class of 2020. Instead of taking the traditional college route, he opted to join the NBA G League Ignite, where he honed his skills against seasoned professionals.
His decision paid off when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Rockets.
Since entering the league, Green has consistently impressed with his athleticism, skill, and scoring ability. Over the course of his three-year NBA career, he has averaged 19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
His stellar performances on the court have solidified his place as one of the brightest young stars in the league, and his recent contract extension only further cements his role in the Rockets’ future.
For Draya and Jalen, business is booming—both on and off the court—and they’re clearly thriving, living their best lives together despite the critics.
