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Kendall Jenner and NBA Players: A History of Courtships
Model Kendall Jenner has been linked to several prominent NBA players over the years, sparking significant media attention. Her relationships with basketball stars have often been characterized by their high-profile nature and the challenges of maintaining privacy. This article details her known romantic connections within the NBA, as of February 7, 2026.
Early Relationship with Ben Simmons
Kendall Jenner’s relationship with Philadelphia 76ers (and later Brooklyn Nets) point guard Ben Simmons began in the spring of 2018. Despite the distance created by Simmons’s basketball commitments in Philadelphia, the pair reportedly made a concerted effort to see each other frequently. E! Online reported on their dates during this period.
Jenner publicly showed support for simmons, notably streaming a 76ers game during a photoshoot with Australian Vogue in 2019. She also reportedly FaceTimed Simmons to share her copy of his GQ Australia cover, demonstrating a reciprocal interest and connection.
Breakup and Privacy Concerns
By May 2019, around the time of the Met Gala, Jenner and Simmons had ended their relationship. Jenner cited her demanding schedule as a primary factor, recognizing the difficulties of balancing her career with the demands of a serious relationship. E! Online reported on the amicable split.
Jenner has consistently expressed a desire to keep her personal life private.In an interview with Australian Vogue, she stated, “For me, a lot of things are very special and very sacred, like my friends and relationships, and I personally think that bringing things into the public makes everything so much messier.” She also acknowledged the uncertainty often present in relationships during one’s twenties, stating, “Everyone has their own path and their own way of letting the cards fall. your 20s are for messing up and figuring it out.”
The “Starting Five” Meme and Subsequent Links
In 2019, a viral meme circulated on social media, playfully referring to a “starting Five” of NBA players Jenner had been linked to. This included Simmons, Jordan Clarkson, Blake Griffin, Kyle Kuzma, and D’Angelo Russell.Jenner herself responded to the meme on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “2 out of 5 accurate, thanks.”
Other Notable Connections
- Jordan Clarkson: jenner was briefly linked to the Utah Jazz guard in 2016.
- Blake Griffin: Reports surfaced of a connection with the Boston Celtics forward in 2017.
- Kyle Kuzma: Jenner was seen with the Los Angeles Lakers forward in 2018.
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