Kenyon Martin has had quite an eventful romantic life. After two failed marriages during his playing days, the former NBA power forward exchanged vows for the third time in 2016 and finally stumbled across the most stable relationship in his life, still going strong after eight years.
Reports say Martin has six kids altogether: three with his second wife, Heather, a daughter supposedly from another woman, and two with his current wife, Shakira. After retiring in 2015, he started having nightmares about paying child support and even asked to lower the payments, claiming his retirement income couldn’t keep up with the original amounts.
Kenyon Martin and Wife Shakira Watson Tied the Knot in a Stunning Yacht Ceremony
Former NBA star Kenyon Martin married his longtime girlfriend, Shakira Watson, in a lavish yacht wedding off Miami’s coast in June 2016. The 46-year-old ex-power forward, known for playing with teams like the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, went all-out with a bold theme for the big day, set against Miami’s skyline.
Their wedding was as unique as their relationship. Shakira rocked a black gown with white floral details and a black veil, ditching the usual white dress for something edgy. Kenyon matched her vibe with a rich red jacket with black lapels and a bow tie, bringing a touch of drama and flair.
Kenyon shared photos from the day on social media, giving fans a peek into the intimate ceremony with close family and friends. His kids from a previous marriage to Heather Thompson—Kenyon Jr., Kamron, and Cierra Reign—were there too, making the day about family and the blending of their lives.
After the ceremony, the party got even livelier. Kenyon switched to a laid-back look with a red checkered shirt, shorts, and white loafers. The reception was all about high-energy moments, like when Kenyon playfully removed Shakira’s garter to Prince’s “Adore,” with guests, including fellow ex-NBA player Al Harrington, cheering them on.
Kenyon and Shakira had been together for years, with their engagement going public in 2014 on Instagram. This wedding also marked a fresh start for Kenyon, who retired from the NBA in 2015 after a 15-year career with five different teams. A standout moment in his career was being named National Player of the Year in 2000.
Following his retirement, Kenyon and Shakira moved into a $2.8 million Calabasas home, formerly owned by MLB player Jason Kubel. The place had everything from a batting cage to a resort-style pool—perfect for the then-newbirds to kick back and enjoy. He sold the property for $3.025 million in 2020.
Kenyon Martin’s Relationship History: Fatimah Conley, Heather Thompson, and the Challenges of Child Support
Kenyon Martin’s personal life, especially around relationships and family, shows the ups and downs of balancing fame, love, and being a parent. His first big relationship was with Fatimah Conley. They met while Kenyon Martin was at the University of Cincinnati, likely around or before 1998. They had already been engaged for two years as of July 2000. The couple tied the knot just before Martin’s rookie NBA season, which began in the fall of 2000. By April 26, 2002, the New York Times reported that Martin was no longer married to Fatimah Conley.
Martin’s next relationship was with Heather Thompson. They had three kids together, including Kenyon Jr. Martin (born in 2001), who followed his dad into the NBA. The 23-year-old currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers. Kenyon and Heather’s other two children are Cierra Reign Martin (born in 2003) and Kamron Martin (born in 2005). The couple married in 2003 before splitting in 2007.
After that, Kenyon had a well-known relationship with rapper Trina, making them one of the iconic couples of the mid-2000s. Their five-year relationship was serious enough for him to tattoo her lips on his neck. Trina shared that she loved him deeply but was disappointed when things ended, mentioning issues with honesty.
Looking back, Trina felt Kenyon wasn’t as ready for commitment as she thought, which he later agreed with, saying he wasn’t ready to get married again. He eventually covered up the tattoo, with encouragement from his current wife, Shakira Watson, with whom he’s had two more children.
When his NBA career started winding down, Kenyon had to make some financial adjustments. By 2019, he requested to reduce his child support payments, saying his post-retirement income wasn’t enough to cover the terms set back in 2007. With a significant drop in income, he decided to downsize and move to Atlanta to adapt to his new financial situation. Despite all the changes, Kenyon has stayed committed to supporting his kids and handling the challenges of co-parenting, keeping their future a priority.
Love, Lies, and Loyalty: The Untold Story of Kenyon Martin’s Ex-Wife Heather Thompson
Heather Thompson, the second wife of former NBA player Kenyon Martin, had a chaotic personal life, especially during the late ’90s and early 2000s. It was full of complicated relationships, scandals, and choices that affected the people around her, especially her first husband, Dewayne Blackman, and their kids.
Disclaimer: These are unverified claims from sources, but they could be worth reading for those interested.
Heather’s story starts in her teenage years. At 15, she allegedly got pregnant and went to live with relatives in Carson, California, a stable, middle-class Black neighborhood. There, she met Dewayne, who took a genuine interest in her and supported her. Dewayne was known as a responsible and caring guy—he even let Heather move in with his family when her uncle wasn’t happy about their relationship. Eventually, Heather and Dewayne got married, had two daughters together, and built a life in Carson, with Dewayne working at a gas refinery to support his family.
Things took a turn in the early 2000s, though, when Heather supposedly met Kenyon Martin at a nightclub and began an affair with him. She became pregnant, and when a DNA test confirmed the child was Kenyon’s, Dewayne’s life was thrown off course. Heather chose to leave him and their daughters to move to New Jersey with Kenyon, leaving behind her three daughters. Dewayne stayed and raised the kids alone, with one of them even growing up thinking her mom had passed away because of the lack of contact.
The rumors didn’t stop there. Heather allegedly had relationships with other men, including Dewayne’s best friend, Deon, which broke up Dewayne and Deon’s friendship. Stories of betrayal, infidelity, and broken bonds painted a rough picture of Heather’s relationships with family and friends. She was even accused of abandoning her daughters and treating them poorly.
In online forums, several other claims added to the drama, labeling Heather as manipulative and money-hungry. They described her as someone who’d criticize Kenyon’s friends and family while doing whatever it took to advance her own interests. Some posts hinted at an inevitable showdown, fueled by resentment from those who knew her.
