As a devoted father to his children, Rylee and Brayan, Jimmy Butler showcases a more tender side of himself. His daughter Rylee is five years old, while Brayan is a recent addition to the family, whose birth was kept private since his arrival.
Since 2019, Butler has been linked romantically to Kaitlin Nowak, the same year they welcomed Rylee into their lives. A few years later, Brayan was born but has remained largely out of the spotlight. Despite the couple’s limited public appearances and social media interactions, their commitment to parenting is evident.
The arrival of Rylee marked a pivotal moment in Butler’s life, coinciding with his inaugural season with the Miami Heat after a brief tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Balancing the demands of a new team and his responsibilities as a father, Butler made it clear that his daughter takes precedence over his career. However, he missed the season opener and the first three games of the 2019 season to support Nowak during Rylee’s birth.
Brayan was born before June 2023, but Butler has chosen to keep him away from public attention. Both children make appearances in the Netflix documentary Starting 5, where they enjoy time with their dad.
In an emotional interview with ABC News in June 2023, Butler expressed how deeply his children influence his life. He referred to Rylee and Brayan as his “why,” stating that they motivate him in everything he does. “I always talk about my ‘why,’ and my ‘why’ are my kids,” he remarked, emphasizing his desire to ensure their safety and well-being.
Kyle Lowry, a former teammate and close friend of Butler, has the honor of being Rylee’s godfather. During an April 2021 podcast episode, Butler mentioned how much he cherishes their friendship and acknowledged Lowry’s role in his daughter’s life. He humorously noted their competitive nature while emphasizing their bond.
Despite keeping his children out of the public eye, Butler has shared moments of joy with Rylee. In a lighthearted TikTok video celebrating her fourth birthday in October 2023, he embraced the festivities by getting his face painted alongside other kids. The playful exchange with Rylee highlighted his willingness to indulge in their fun.
When discussing his plans following the NBA playoffs in 2023, Butler expressed his eagerness to spend time with Rylee. “I’m gonna play with my daughter, man. I love her to death, I miss her — I’ve been away for a very long time,” he shared, outlining plans for ice cream and park outings.
Rylee also has a keen interest in tennis, with Emma Raducanu as her favorite player. In March 2022, during the Miami Open, Butler welcomed Raducanu to his Big Face Coffee pop-up shop and told her, “You’re my daughter’s favorite tennis player.” Raducanu reciprocated the compliment, noting Butler’s impressive coffee-making skills.