Since entering the WNBA as a first-round pick in 2024, Angel Reese has cultivated an image equal parts fierce competitor and pop-culture phenom. Her unapologetic catchphrase “Chi Barbie” adorns merchandise and social-media bios, yet off the court, she remains fiercely private.

When the rumor mill shifted focus from her highlight-reel dunks to her dating life, Reese’s camp issued a customary “no comment,” fueling more conjecture than a halftime locker-room huddle.

Star Power or Sideline Spectacle? Angel Reese’s Romantic Rumblings with an NBA Center

Could the Chicago Sky’s star be entwined with a high-flying NBA big man? A new image, shared on X by insider @Bucketyard, with a caption making bold claims, went viral online on June 7.

The X account wrote, “Orlando Magic basketball players Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs at the Sky vs Fever game to support their girlfriends Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, who also play on the same team.”

In an instant, fans traded slam-dunk GIFs for detective work, desperate to confirm if this was genuine romance with Wendell Carter Jr. or just savvy PR play.

The man linked to Reese is a seasoned NBA center whose two-year extension with the Orlando Magic carries a reported $58,650,480 valuation. His average annual figure is north of $19.5 million.

The $58.65 million figure cited by Spotrac more accurately reflects the three-year pact signed by Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard this season—an understandable mix-up in the frenzy of numbers and names.

Whether fans conflated contracts or insiders leaked Reese’s dating life, the rumor’s core remains unchanged. Reese may be entwined with the high-earning NBA center from the Orlando Magic, Carter, who even attended to watch her game this Saturday.

Drafted in 2018 by the Chicago Bulls, Carter carved out a reputation as both a rim-protecting anchor and a budding three-point threat, twice leading the league in blocks. His on-court prowess has earned him both Second-team All-ACC consideration while at Duke and lucrative endorsement deals, making him one of the league’s most bankable veterans.

Reese herself might have been dropping hints. In late-April 2025, she posted a question on X, “so what’s gonna be the name for the male wags??? asking for a friend.” This left her fans speculating.

According to Athlon Sports, fans squared down on a few candidates whom they suspect to be the “Chi Barbie” latest flame. The names include Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Jett Howard. All from the Orlando Magic team. This speculation stemmed after she quipped that her ideal partner stands at least 6’7″ on her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast.

“Nah like, he got to be tall. 6’7″-6’8″, be an NBA player,” Reese asserted.

Amid swirling off-court chatter, Reese returned to the court on June 7, 2025, for a Commissioner’s Cup clash against the Indiana Fever at the United Center.

Undeterred by the rumor radar, she battled relentlessly, grabbing 12 rebounds in 27 minutes. She scored just 4 points for the night on 2-of-7 shooting. Despite her efforts, Chicago fell 79–52 as the Fever’s depth proved decisive. They are now headed to face the New York Liberty on June 10 at the Barclays.

Should Reese and her center confidant go public, it could redefine crossover appeal between the WNBA and NBA. For now, both remain focused on their respective seasons. Their potential power couple status could usher in a new era of fandom synergy and marketing cross-pollination.