Deandre Ayton, the impressive NBA player known for his on-court dominance, has caught attention for both his performance and personal life challenges.
From his long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart, Anissa Evans, to recent controversies involving Instagram models and viral social media spats, Ayton’s off-court life has been anything but quiet.
At the heart of it all is his relationship with his baby mama, Anissa Evans, and the challenges they’ve faced in the public eye.
Deandre Ayton, born on July 23, 1998, in Nassau, Bahamas, rose to fame as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
Now a center for the Los Angeles Lakers, Ayton’s journey from a Bahamian high school standout to an NBA star has been outstanding.
But alongside his professional ascent, his personal life has been equally compelling, particularly his relationship with Anissa Evans, his high school sweetheart and the mother of his child.
The Two Met During Their Teenage Years, Creating A Bond Rooted In Their Shared Hometown And Cultural Ties
Anissa Morgan Evans, born March 26, 2000, also hails from Nassau, Bahamas.
Their relationship, which began in high school around 2017, has weathered its share of ups and downs.
Despite the challenges of Ayton’s rising fame, the couple welcomed their son, Deandre Ayton Jr., on March 6, 2021, a milestone that seemed to strengthen their commitment to each other.
A heartwarming moment captured on Father’s Day 2021 showed Ayton kissing Anissa and their newborn son before a playoff game, a scene that melted fans’ hearts and painted a picture of a devoted family man.
Anissa, now 25, has created her own path as a fitness model, Instagram influencer, and entrepreneur.
With over 24,000 followers on Instagram (@flxw.niss) and 4,000 on TikTok, she shares glimpses of her life, from fashion and fitness to family moments.
She’s also the owner of Ame’s Collection, an athleisure wear brand for men and women, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Anissa pursued her education at Hillsborough Community College and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree at Queen’s College, balancing her studies with her growing online presence.
Despite their seemingly strong foundation, Ayton and Evans’ relationship has faced public scrutiny.
In April 2024, a viral video surfaced showing Ayton cozying up to rapper and TikTok star Mellow Rackz at a five-star hotel.
Florida Rapper Mellow Rackz Shows Off Her NBA Boyfriend Deandre Ayton. pic.twitter.com/tNbZ0MLbBZ
— Poetik Flakko (@FlakkoPoetik) April 18, 2024
In the video, Mellow Rackz referred to Ayton as “her man,” and she reposted a highlight reel of his basketball plays, circulating speculation about their relationship.
The footage sent shockwaves through social media, and Anissa Evans didn’t stay silent.
Heartbroken, Anissa took to her Instagram Stories to express her pain.
In a series of emotional posts, she wrote,
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt hurt like this ever! Just a fool in a man’s playbook 💔”
Via sportskeeda
She tagged Ayton directly, pleading with him to “stay away” from her.
Anissa also reposted the video of Ayton and Mellow Rackz, adding critical remarks that highlighted her feelings of betrayal.
The posts, which quickly went viral, showed a woman suffering with public humiliation and personal heartbreak.
Although the Stories have since expired, they were widely shared and discussed online, amplifying the drama.
The incident raised questions about the status of Ayton and Evans’ relationship.
While they’ve kept much of their personal life private, the lack of recent photos together on Anissa’s Instagram account has led some to speculate that the couple may have parted ways.
In July 2025, Another Controversy Surfaced, Bringing Ayton Back Into The Spotlight
Just when the dust seemed to settle, another controversy erupted in July 2025, further thrusting Ayton into the spotlight.
An Instagram model known as “CaribbeanCurlss,” whose real name is Isabella and who is a mother of two, accused Ayton of stranding her in Turks and Caicos after she allegedly refused to sleep with him.
In a now-deleted Instagram Story posted on July 27, 2025, Isabella wrote,
“deandreayton security left me outside in the middle of nowhere in Turks of Caicos bc I won’t have sex with him.”
Via Instagram
The claim sparked a rage on social media, with fans and gossip accounts quick to weigh in.
However, Isabella later clarified her statement in a follow-up Story, explaining that her phone had been broken, which had delayed her ability to set the record straight.
She backtracked, stating,
This clarification shifted the blame to Ayton’s security team, suggesting a misunderstanding rather than direct involvement by the NBA star.
Despite the retraction, the initial post had already fueled speculation and added another layer to Ayton’s tumultuous public image.
Social media reactions were swift and varied.
Some users, like @itgetstickytv, jokingly declared-:
CITYBOYS UP 1 million points!!
— Sticky News/entertainment (@itgetstickytv) July 29, 2025
Lakers' Deandre Ayton was accused of stranding an IG model in Turks and Caicos after she allegedly wouldnt sleep with him 🤣🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/mKd41YQnpo
The incident highlighted the challenges of guiding fame in the digital age, where unverified claims can spread rapidly.
At 27, Deandre Ayton is at a pivotal point in his career after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $16.6 million contract.
He’ll be playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, which could elevate his game.
Off the court, he is dedicated to fatherhood, often sharing moments with Deandre Ayton Jr. Despite controversies, he keeps his social media focused on basketball.
As Ayton guides his professional and personal life, the spotlight on his relationship with Anissa Evans and the recent allegations involving an Instagram model shows no signs of dimming.
