There’s no one shining brighter in the NBA spotlight right now than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has won the NBA MVP award for the 2024-25 season, is leading his team deep into the playoffs, and continues to win hearts with his grace and humility. But behind the fame, there’s a story of love, family, and quiet strength.
Whether it’s his tearful tribute to his wife during the MVP speech, moments with his baby boy Ares courtside, or the powerful legacy of his parents, SGA’s journey is full of heart, and it’s only getting better.
Meet Hailey Summers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Wife and Biggest Supporter
Gilgeous-Alexander met Hailey Summers in 2017, back when both were just teenagers in Canada, long before the NBA lights found him. Both were high school athletes with big dreams and matching determination.
Hailey went on to play NCAA soccer at the University at Albany, where she captained the team and helped win the America East Championship in 2018. Gilgeous-Alexander, of course, took a different path, but their bond stayed unshaken.
After six years together, SGA proposed to Summers in June 2023. They got married on Feb. 14, 2024, with a simple Instagram story confirming the news: “Just married. Shai and Hailey. February 14, 2024.” No big headlines. Just love. But it was during his MVP speech that the world saw how much Hailey truly means to him.
As he began to thank her, Shai was overcome with emotion. “Then, the one and only Hailey Summers… Thank you…” he said, before tears filled his eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m so dramatic,” he added with a smile, trying to steady himself. He then continued, “Hailey Summers, thank you for everything you are for me, for our son Ares. You were the first person to show me what love really meant.”
SGA thanks his wife during his MVP speech
“You were the first person to show me what love really meant.” 😢
(🎥 @ClutchPoints )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
That moment said it all about the love and the admiration SGA has for his wife.
Know About Shai’s Son, Ares Gilgeous-Alexander
Just two months after their wedding, Gilgeous-Alexander and Hailey welcomed their first child, a son named Ares, born on April 25, 2024.
He often shares sweet photos of his baby boy on social media, but one moment recently stood out to fans. After leading the Thunder to a 114-88 Game 1 win over the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, SGA brought Ares onto the court. The two dribbled a ball together, laughing and playing in matching sneakers while Hailey looked on with pride.
In that moment, MVP or not, Shai was just a proud father enjoying time with his son. And fans loved every second of it.
The Family Behind the MVP – Gilgeous-Alexander’s Parents and Upbringing
SGA’s success didn’t happen overnight – it was built on a foundation of family, discipline, and deep roots. Born in July 1998 to Charmaine Gilgeous and Vaughn Alexander, he grew up alongside his younger brother, Thomasi, and cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Their father, Vaughn, coached them growing up, creating a healthy competitive spirit. That drive helped push both Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker into the NBA–SGA in 2018, and Alexander-Walker a year later.
Their mother, Charmaine, was a star in her own right. At 21, she represented Antigua and Barbuda in the 400-meter dash at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, with a personal best of 55.48 seconds. That speed and mental strength clearly run in the family.
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Now, in a full-circle moment, Shai recently faced off against his cousin Alexander-Walker in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder dominated Game 1 with a 114-88 win over the Timberwolves, with both cousins playing key roles for their teams. It was a proud moment for their family—and a reminder of just how far they’ve both come.
