Rhyne Howard, the dynamic 25-year-old guard-forward for the Atlanta Dream, has captured attention not only for her exceptional basketball skills but also for her rumored romantic connection with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. The speculation began when the two athletes shared intimate photos on social media, leading fans and media outlets to question whether their relationship extends beyond friendship.
Howard, who was drafted first by the Atlanta Dream in 2022, has established herself as one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. Standing at 6’2″, she brings versatility, elite scoring ability, and unshakeable confidence to the court. Her impressive resume includes being named the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year, earning All-Star recognition, and helping lead Team USA to a bronze medal in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Howard quickly became a household name during her college career at the University of Kentucky, where she earned SEC Player of the Year honors twice and was named a three-time All-American.
The relationship speculation surrounding Howard and Durant has generated significant buzz across social media platforms and sports news outlets. While neither party has officially confirmed or denied the dating rumors, their public interactions and social media exchanges have fueled ongoing speculation about the nature of their connection. This explores the details of their rumored relationship, Howard’s personal background, and what we know about her dating life.
The Kevin Durant Connection: How It All Started
Rhyne Howard (Image via Getty)
The romance rumors between Rhyne Howard and Kevin Durant began gaining traction in October 2023 when the pair shared a cozy photo together on Instagram. The image showed Durant appearing to rest his head on top of the Atlanta Dream guard, who captured a selfie of the two together. Durant subsequently reposted the photo to his own social media account, adding fuel to the speculation.
“Oh hey,” Howard wrote over the image, adding a smiley face with red hearts emoji. The intimate nature of the photo and the affectionate caption immediately caught the attention of fans and media outlets, sparking widespread discussion about a potential romantic relationship between the two basketball stars.
The photo was reportedly taken after the Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 117-116 at Footprint Center during preseason play. Howard was in attendance at the game and also shared a photo of herself sitting in the stands, suggesting she was there specifically to support Durant.
Their First Meeting and Growing Friendship
The connection between Howard and Durant didn’t happen overnight. In March 2023, Howard revealed on Mercury’s “The It Girls” podcast how their relationship initially developed. She explained that she reached out to Durant after learning that he admired her playing style and considered her one of his favorite players.
“It had been brought to my attention that I was one of his favorite players, and I was like, ‘Thee Kevin Durant loves me?’” Howard said during the podcast appearance. She continued, “And so I was home on a break, I went to a game… and I DM’d him and said ‘I think I need to meet you officially, so can I come down?’”
This revelation shows that their connection began with mutual respect and admiration for each other’s basketball abilities. Durant’s appreciation for Howard’s game speaks to her exceptional talent and the recognition she has earned from elite players across both the NBA and WNBA.
Current Relationship Status: Friends or More?
Rhyne Howard (Image via Getty)
Despite the widespread speculation and social media buzz, neither Rhyne Howard nor Kevin Durant has officially confirmed or denied the dating rumors. The ambiguity surrounding their relationship status has only intensified public curiosity and media attention.
It’s entirely possible that the two athletes are simply close friends who share a mutual respect for basketball and enjoy each other’s company. Professional athletes often form friendships across different leagues and sports, bonding over shared experiences and challenges that come with competing at the highest levels.
However, the intimate nature of their social media interactions and public appearances together suggests there may be more to their relationship than just friendship. The fact that Howard attended Durant’s game and they chose to share such a personal moment on social media indicates a level of comfort and closeness that goes beyond casual acquaintanceship.
Interestingly, Howard has previously expressed romantic interest in other NBA players. She once mentioned that she would marry Durant’s former Golden State Warriors teammate Klay Thompson, which adds another layer of complexity to the speculation about her relationship with Durant.
Rhyne Howard’s Personal Life and Background
Beyond the dating rumors, Rhyne Howard leads a rich personal life rooted in family, education, and social activism. She comes from a large family with two brothers, RaShawn Avery and James Howard Jr., and two sisters, Love Howard and Takema Sexton. Her mother, Rhvonja “RJ” Avery, played basketball at the University of Florida, indicating that athletic talent runs in the family.
Howard is a member of Zeta Phi Beta, a historically African American sorority, which she joined through the Iota Mu chapter at the University of Kentucky. During her college years, she majored in Digital Media and Design, demonstrating her interests beyond basketball.
Her commitment to social justice and community involvement is particularly noteworthy. Howard organized a Unity Fair and Social Justice March on the University of Kentucky campus, which was joined by dozens of student-athletes and hundreds of community members. The event aimed to bring awareness to police brutality, inform peers about issues affecting the Black community, encourage voting, demand justice for injustices, provide mental health resources, and spread love during difficult times.
Professional Achievements and Career Highlights
Rhyne Howard (Image via Getty)
Howard’s basketball career has been nothing short of exceptional. She was the first pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, selected by the Atlanta Dream. In her rookie season, she averaged 16.2 points per game and was named the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Her impact was immediate and significant, helping the Atlanta Dream reestablish itself as a playoff contender.
Her college career at Kentucky was equally impressive. She became Kentucky’s first player ever drafted number one by a WNBA franchise and left the program as its all-time top three-point shooter. Howard is one of only nine players in women’s basketball history to be named to the Associated Press First Team three times.
In 2025, her base salary is projected to be $91,981, representing a significant increase from her rookie year salary of $72,141. However, her total income is supplemented by endorsement deals, performance bonuses, and potential overseas play during the WNBA offseason.
Looking Forward: Privacy and Professional Focus
As speculation about her relationship with Kevin Durant continues, Howard remains focused on her professional career and personal growth. She has demonstrated remarkable resilience, including recovering from a lower leg injury that sidelined her for ten games but didn’t prevent her from competing in the Olympics.
Whether Howard and Durant are dating or simply maintaining a close friendship, their connection highlights the mutual respect and admiration that exists between elite athletes across different leagues. For now, fans will have to wait for official confirmation about the true nature of their relationship, as both stars seem content to keep their personal lives private while focusing on their respective basketball careers.
Michael Cimino has captured hearts worldwide through his compelling portrayal of Victor Salazar in Hulu’s beloved series “Love, Victor,” but fans are equally curious about his real-life romantic endeavors. The 25-year-old actor, born November 10, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada, has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his rising fame in Hollywood. Known for his roles in “Annabelle Comes Home,” “Senior Year,” and “Never Have I Ever,” Cimino has become one of the industry’s most sought-after young talents.
While his on-screen character navigated the complexities of young love and identity, Cimino’s own romantic journey has been more discreet, with only occasional glimpses into his dating life through social media and public appearances. The actor has been thoughtful about discussing his personal relationships, often emphasizing his desire to keep certain aspects of his life away from the public eye. His approach to romance reflects a mature understanding of the balance between celebrity and privacy, especially given his role in one of television’s most prominent LGBTQ+ series.
Recent developments in late 2024 have sparked renewed interest in Cimino’s relationship status, particularly after he was spotted with singer-songwriter Nat Slater during his 25th birthday celebrations. This sighting has led fans and media outlets to speculate about a potential new romance, marking a significant moment in the actor’s typically private dating life. As Cimino continues to build his career with projects like “Motorheads” on Prime Video, his personal life remains a subject of fascination for his growing fan base.
Current Relationship Status: Nat Slater Connection
Michael Cimino and Nat Slater (Image via Getty)
The most recent development in Michael Cimino’s dating life occurred in November 2024, when he was spotted holding hands with singer-songwriter Nat Slater during his 25th birthday celebration. The pair was photographed together at a farmers market in Studio City, California, on November 10, 2024, sparking speculation about a potential romantic relationship. This public display of affection marked a rare Cimino’s private life, as he typically keeps his romantic relationships away from the spotlight.
Nat Slater, the woman linked to Cimino, is a talented singer-songwriter who recently relocated to Los Angeles. She documented her move to the entertainment capital with an Instagram post captioned “dye ur hair pink & move to LA,” suggesting a fresh start in the city where many entertainment careers flourish. The timing of her move and her appearance with Cimino has led many to wonder if their connection played a role in her decision to relocate.
The farmers market outing appeared casual and comfortable, with both individuals seeming at ease in each other’s company. However, neither Cimino nor Slater has officially confirmed their relationship status, leaving fans to speculate about the nature of their connection. This discretion aligns with Cimino’s general approach to keeping his personal life private, even as his professional profile continues to rise.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Before his recent connection with Nat Slater, Michael Cimino’s most documented relationship was with YouTube personality and actress Mava Gómez. The pair dated for several years, with their relationship becoming public through social media posts and appearances together. However, their romance appears to have ended around 2019, as they stopped sharing photos together and removed evidence of their relationship from their respective social media accounts.
The breakup with Gómez was handled with maturity and respect, with Cimino later commenting on their past relationship in a thoughtful manner. In a 2019 comment, he acknowledged their history by stating, “She was a huge part of my life, I’m not just going to erase her and act like she never happened.” This response demonstrated his mature approach to past relationships and his reluctance to completely erase meaningful connections from his life, even after they’ve ended.
Since the end of his relationship with Gómez, Cimino has maintained a relatively low profile regarding his dating life. Various entertainment outlets have speculated about his relationship status over the years, but concrete information has been scarce. This period of privacy allowed him to focus on his burgeoning career while keeping his personal life out of the tabloid spotlight.
Sexuality and Identity Discussions
Michael Cimino has been refreshingly open about his sexuality and identity, particularly given his role as a gay character in “Love, Victor.” In interviews, he has identified as straight while acknowledging the fluid nature of sexuality and identity. His nuanced approach to discussing sexuality reflects a mature understanding of identity development and personal growth.
In a 2020 interview with NBC News, Cimino explained his perspective: “I don’t want to put myself in a box and put myself in a position where if I were to come out as bi or as gay 10 years from now, that I was defending an identity that was being true to myself.” This statement demonstrates his understanding that identity can evolve and his reluctance to limit himself with rigid labels.
The actor has also discussed sexuality as existing on a spectrum rather than in fixed categories. He told NBC News, “I don’t feel that anyone is 100 percent straight or 100 percent wherever you lie on the scale. I feel like sexuality is not necessarily fluid. It’s more like a spectrum.” This perspective has resonated with many fans who appreciate his thoughtful approach to identity and sexuality discussions.
Professional Impact on Personal Life
Cimino’s role in “Love, Victor” has significantly influenced how he approaches discussions about his personal life and relationships. The show’s focus on LGBTQ+ themes and coming-of-age stories has made him more conscious of his platform and the impact his words can have on young viewers. He has spoken about drawing inspiration from his gay cousin for his portrayal of Victor, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation.
The actor’s recent project, “Motorheads,” on Prime Video has showcased a different side of his acting abilities, moving away from the coming-of-age drama that made him famous. This career evolution has coincided with his apparent openness to being more public about his personal relationships, as evidenced by his appearance with Nat Slater.
His growing fame has also meant increased scrutiny of his personal life, something he has navigated carefully. Cimino has managed to maintain a balance between sharing enough to satisfy fan curiosity while preserving his privacy and the privacy of those he dates.
Future Outlook and Privacy Considerations
Michael Cimino (Image via Getty)
As Michael Cimino’s career continues to flourish, his approach to public relations will likely evolve. The recent sighting with Nat Slater suggests he may be becoming more comfortable with occasional public displays of his romantic life, though he continues to maintain discretion about his personal relationships.
The actor’s thoughtful approach to identity and relationships suggests that any future romantic developments will be handled with the same maturity and respect he has shown in the past. Whether his connection with Slater develops into a confirmed relationship or remains private, Cimino’s fans can expect him to continue prioritizing authenticity and respect in all aspects of his personal life.
