Jimmy Butler’s Family, Relationships, and Friends: The Full Story

Jimmy Butler grew up knowing how important family, relationships, and friends were in shaping his life. Through his childhood and into his basketball career, these connections gave him the support and drive he needed. As he once mentioned, “Family means everything. They drive me every single day.”

Family Life and Background

Jimmy Butler was born on September 14, 1989, in Houston, Texas. He faced tough times early, as his father left when Jimmy was an infant. His mother also asked him to leave home at thirteen.

Despite the hardships, Jimmy did not spend years in shelters. Instead, he found homes with friends, including the Leslie family. Michelle Lambert, Jordan Leslie’s mother, welcomed him as part of their household.

Jimmy Butler is not currently married. He became a father to a daughter named Rylee. Rylee was born around 2019 and is his only known child.

His brother, Jordan Leslie, pursued a career in football, playing for the University of Texas at El Paso. Jimmy’s mother’s name is Londa Butler. There’s little public information about his biological father.

Butler’s family story reflects resilience and the support of those who become family by choice. The people around him played a big part in his growth—both on and off the court.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Londa Butler	Mother	Unknown
Jordan Leslie	Brother	1991
Rylee Butler	Daughter	2019

Relationships and Romantic Partners

Jimmy Butler’s romantic life has often garnered attention. He dated Shay Mitchell, a Canadian actress, in the mid-2010s. The connection did not last, but their interest in entertainment and sports was public. Later, he was linked to Gabrielle Union, an NBA spouse and actress.

More recently, Butler has been in a relationship with Charmaine Pulia. Little is known about Pulia’s background or how they met. There are no widely reported conflicts marking the end of his earlier relationships. Each seemed to part on amicable terms, focusing on their careers.

Despite the headlines, Butler keeps many details private. His choices show his preference for a quieter family and romantic life, away from the public eye.

Name	Relationship Type	Time Period
Shay Mitchell	Ex-girlfriend	mid-2010s
Gabrielle Union	Ex-girlfriend	Unknown years
Charmaine Pulia	Girlfriend	Present

Friends Who Shaped His Journey

Jimmy Butler has made and kept friends close throughout his rise. Derrick Rose, with whom he shared the court on the Chicago Bulls, became one of his well-known friends. Their bond grew from shared practices and games.

Butler’s lasting friendships often develop from basketball connections. He has spoken about how he values teammates who push him to get better and stay focused. He credits these relationships with helping him stay grounded.

Other key friends include former college teammate Wesley Matthews and NBA players like Dwyane Wade. Their support extended beyond the court. Even as careers changed, most of these bonds remained strong.

Name	Known Since	Profession
Derrick Rose	2011	Basketball player
Wesley Matthews	College	Basketball player
Dwyane Wade	2016	Basketball player