Dejounte Murray’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas

Dejounte Murray is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born Dejounte Dashaun Murray on September 19, 1996, in Seattle, Washington, he developed into an NBA All-Star after overcoming a difficult childhood marked by family instability and financial hardship. His journey from Seattle’s South End neighborhood to professional basketball has been shaped by his parents, grandmother, siblings and the experience of becoming a father himself.

Dejounte Murray’s parents are John Murray and Shameka Thompson. His publicly identified siblings include his younger brother Nate Murray, younger sister Jacaiyah and older sister Tesh, who died in 2021. Murray is also the father of two confirmed daughters, Riley and Icelynn Mercedes Murray. He has maintained a publicly documented relationship with social media personality Jania Meshell, with whom he announced another pregnancy in July 2026. His family background has influenced his determination to provide his children with the stable upbringing he did not always experience.

Who Is Dejounte Murray’s Girlfriend or Wife?

Dejounte Murray has been romantically linked to Jania Meshell, an American social media personality, model and entrepreneur also known as Jania Bania.

Their relationship became publicly known around 2020 and has attracted considerable attention because of their social media presence and experiences raising children.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Icelynn Mercedes Murray, on April 9, 2023.

In an article published on June 16, 2023, NBA.com referred to Jania as Murray’s partner while discussing their experiences as parents.

Some entertainment publications have subsequently described Jania as Murray’s wife, but there is no consistently verified public documentation establishing their wedding date or legal marital status.

Their relationship has also experienced publicly reported periods of separation and reconciliation.

In July 2026, Jania announced on Instagram that she and Murray were expecting another child together.

The announcement confirmed their continued family connection, although it did not conclusively establish their relationship status.

As of now, Jania Meshell is the woman most prominently associated with Murray’s publicly documented romantic life, but whether they are currently married or together has not been independently confirmed.

Who Is Jania Meshell?

Jania Meshell is an American social media influencer, model and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas.

She became known through Instagram and other social media platforms, where she built an audience interested in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and family content.

Jania has also worked in modeling and developed business interests connected to beauty and personal care.

Before her relationship with Dejounte Murray, she was romantically involved with American rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden.

Jania and NBA YoungBoy share a son named Kacey, born in 2019.

She later began a relationship with Murray, and the couple became parents to their daughter Icelynn in April 2023.

In July 2026, Jania announced another pregnancy through a social media post.

According to The Shade Room, Murray subsequently confirmed in the comments that the expected baby was a boy.

The news attracted attention because it meant the couple were preparing to welcome their second child together.

Although Jania frequently shares aspects of her life publicly, her relationship with Murray has not always been straightforward, and reports about their current marital status remain inconsistent.

Are Dejounte Murray and Jania Meshell Still Together?

Dejounte Murray and Jania Meshell have experienced an on-and-off relationship since approximately 2020.

They have publicly acknowledged their family relationship through their daughter Icelynn and their July 2026 pregnancy announcement.

However, their romantic relationship has also been the subject of reports about disagreements and possible separations.

In July 2026, The Shade Room reported that Jania had discussed being blocked on social media following the announcement of their pregnancy.

Although the report generated speculation about their relationship, it did not establish a permanent separation.

Because neither Murray nor Jania has provided a consistently verified public account of their current status, it would be inaccurate to definitively describe them as either married or separated.

What is confirmed is that they share a daughter and publicly announced that they were expecting another child together in 2026.

How Many Children Does Dejounte Murray Have?

Dejounte Murray has two publicly confirmed daughters named Riley Murray and Icelynn Mercedes Murray.

His eldest daughter, Riley, was born on July 14, 2017, while his younger daughter, Icelynn, was born on April 9, 2023.

In July 2026, Murray and Jania Meshell also announced that they were expecting a baby boy.

However, a subsequent birth announcement has not been independently verified. Therefore, the publicly confirmed number of children already born to Murray remains two.

Fatherhood has become one of the most important aspects of his life outside basketball.

During interviews with NBA.com, FOX Sports and the San Antonio Express-News, Murray explained that raising his children had changed his priorities and encouraged him to become more responsible.

Riley Murray: Dejounte Murray’s First Daughter

Riley Murray is Dejounte Murray’s eldest daughter. She was born on July 14, 2017, approximately one year after her father entered the NBA.

Her birth marked an important turning point in Murray’s personal life.

In a March 2022 interview with FOX Sports journalist Melissa Rohlin, Murray discussed the emotions he experienced when Riley was born.

He explained that seeing his daughter for the first time changed how he thought about his responsibilities, career and future.

Before becoming a father, Murray had experienced a difficult childhood and struggled with the effects of family instability.

However, Riley’s arrival encouraged him to concentrate more seriously on building a stable life.

During the interview, Murray explained that fatherhood had given him a stronger sense of purpose and made him more determined to succeed professionally.

He wanted Riley to experience the security, encouragement and opportunities that had sometimes been missing from his own childhood.

In a June 2023 NBA.com interview, Murray recalled becoming overwhelmed with emotion during Riley’s birth.

He explained that the experience had been so intense that he almost fainted.

He has also shared photographs and messages celebrating his daughter’s birthdays and achievements.

Although Riley has occasionally appeared in public family moments, Murray has generally kept details about her education and personal activities private.

The identity of Riley’s mother has not been consistently established through reliable primary reporting.

Icelynn Mercedes Murray: Dejounte Murray’s Second Daughter

Icelynn Mercedes Murray is Dejounte Murray’s second daughter and his first publicly confirmed child with Jania Meshell.

She was born on April 9, 2023.

Her birth was publicly announced by Jania and Murray through their social media accounts.

According to NBA.com, the couple welcomed Icelynn while Murray was playing for the Atlanta Hawks.

The arrival of his second daughter gave Murray another opportunity to experience fatherhood and expand his family.

In his June 2023 interview with NBA.com, Murray discussed how important it was for his children to enjoy their childhood without facing the difficulties he had experienced growing up.

He explained that he wanted his daughters to feel comfortable sharing their problems with him and asking for guidance.

Rather than expecting them to grow up too quickly, Murray wanted them to experience each stage of childhood naturally.

He also emphasized the importance of teaching children responsibility while allowing them to make mistakes and learn from those experiences.

His comments demonstrated how becoming a father had influenced his understanding of family relationships.

Are Dejounte Murray and Jania Meshell Expecting a Son?

Yes. In July 2026, Jania Meshell publicly announced that she was pregnant with another child fathered by Dejounte Murray.

The announcement was reported by The Shade Room on July 16, 2026.

Jania shared photographs revealing her pregnancy, while Murray commented that the baby was a boy.

The pregnancy represented the couple’s second child together, following the birth of Icelynn in 2023.

Murray also has an older daughter, Riley, from a previous relationship.

Jania has a son named Kacey from her previous relationship with NBA YoungBoy.

Consequently, their combined family includes children from earlier relationships as well as their shared daughter.

As of now, reliable public reporting has confirmed the pregnancy announcement but has not established the baby’s birth date or name.

Who Are Dejounte Murray’s Parents?

Dejounte Murray was born to John Murray and Shameka Thompson in Seattle, Washington.

Their names are confirmed in the New Orleans Pelicans’ official 2024–25 media guide.

His childhood was complicated by periods when neither parent was consistently present in his daily life.

In a May 2021 interview with Sports Illustrated, Murray discussed those experiences and explained that his upbringing involved moving between relatives’ homes and other temporary living arrangements.

Despite those challenges, he has maintained emotional connections with his parents and has spoken publicly about efforts to strengthen their relationships.

Dejounte Murray’s Father: John Murray

John Murray is the father of NBA basketball player Dejounte Murray.

His identity is confirmed in the official New Orleans Pelicans media guide, which identifies him alongside Shameka Thompson.

John was not consistently present during Dejounte’s childhood, a circumstance the basketball player has discussed in several interviews.

In May 2021, Sports Illustrated published an extensive profile examining Murray’s difficult upbringing in Seattle.

During the interview, Murray explained that he loved his father but that their relationship had been complicated by periods of separation.

He acknowledged that his father had not always been available to provide the guidance and support he wanted as a child.

However, Murray also emphasized that he did not want to define their entire relationship through those earlier difficulties.

As he became older and developed greater financial independence, he began making efforts to reconnect with his father.

One of the most emotional public moments involving the pair occurred in June 2022.

How Dejounte Murray Reconnected With His Father

On Father’s Day in June 2022, Dejounte Murray surprised his father with a new vehicle as part of an emotional reunion.

The moment was documented through a video shared on Murray’s Instagram account and subsequently reported by KSAT, TMZ and Sports Illustrated.

In the video, Murray arrived with a new truck while relatives and friends gathered to witness the surprise.

His father became emotional when he realized the vehicle was a gift from his son.

The two embraced during a moment that attracted considerable attention on social media.

In the accompanying message, Murray explained that they had experienced differences over approximately seven or eight years.

However, he said that he wanted to repair their relationship before it was too late.

He also thanked his father for acknowledging that he had not always been present during his childhood.

Murray described the reunion as an opportunity to rebuild their bond and move forward.

The gesture reflected a significant change in their relationship, particularly given Murray’s earlier public statements about growing up without consistent parental support.

Although John’s professional background and current activities have not been extensively documented, his relationship with his son has become an important part of Murray’s family story.

Dejounte Murray’s Mother: Shameka Thompson

Shameka Thompson, also known as Meka, is the mother of NBA player Dejounte Murray.

She raised her family in Seattle, Washington, although her children’s upbringing was affected by significant financial difficulties and periods of separation.

According to a May 2021 Sports Illustrated interview, Shameka spent periods of Murray’s childhood incarcerated.

These circumstances meant that Dejounte often relied on other relatives, including his grandmother and uncles, for daily guidance and support.

In a March 2022 interview with FOX Sports, Murray discussed his childhood experiences and explained how growing up without consistent parental involvement affected his understanding of family responsibilities.

He recalled experiencing instability and uncertainty about where he would live.

However, Murray has also expressed love for his mother and acknowledged the importance of maintaining family connections despite their past difficulties.

During his rise in professional basketball, he continued supporting relatives and working to provide greater stability for the people closest to him.

Shameka’s name also appeared in a 2016 Associated Press report examining Murray’s relationship with NBA veteran Jamal Crawford.

The report explained that Crawford regularly contacted Murray’s mother and uncles while helping mentor the young basketball player.

These connections were important because they created additional sources of guidance during his teenage years.

Although Shameka has not extensively discussed her own life in major public interviews, her relationship with Murray remains part of his personal story.

Her current occupation and other private details have not been reliably established through major sports publications.

Who Are Dejounte Murray’s Siblings?

Dejounte Murray has several siblings, including his younger brother Nate Murray, younger sister Jacaiyah and late older sister Tesh.

Their relationships have been documented through interviews, social media posts and reporting by Sports Illustrated, TMZ and the San Antonio Express-News.

Murray grew up in an extended family household where siblings, cousins and other relatives frequently shared living arrangements.

Although additional family members have appeared in biographical reporting, Nate, Jacaiyah and Tesh are among the most clearly documented siblings.

Nate Murray: Dejounte Murray’s Younger Brother

Nate Murray is Dejounte Murray’s younger brother and one of the siblings whose relationship with the NBA player has been extensively documented.

In June 2019, Dejounte attracted national attention after surprising Nate with a new Dodge Challenger as a high school graduation gift.

According to Sports Illustrated, Nate graduated from Brandeis High School in San Antonio after achieving a 3.8 grade point average.

The achievement was particularly meaningful because Nate had moved from Seattle to live with Dejounte approximately ten months earlier.

At the time, Nate had been experiencing personal difficulties and wanted a more stable environment.

Dejounte agreed to welcome his younger brother into his home and assumed a guardianship role.

He subsequently established expectations involving education, respectful behavior and personal responsibility.

Nate responded by attending school consistently and earning excellent grades.

To celebrate his progress, Murray purchased a purple 2019 Dodge Challenger for his brother.

Videos of the surprise showed Nate becoming emotional as he embraced Dejounte.

Murray explained that the gift represented more than a reward for completing high school.

It was also recognition of the determination Nate had demonstrated while adapting to a new environment.

Dejounte expressed pride in the young man his brother was becoming and promised to continue supporting him.

The experience reflected Murray’s desire to provide younger relatives with guidance and opportunities that had sometimes been missing from his own childhood.

Jacaiyah Murray: Dejounte Murray’s Younger Sister

Jacaiyah is Dejounte Murray’s younger sister and another family member who has received public recognition through his generosity.

In March 2022, Murray surprised Jacaiyah with a new Honda vehicle for her 18th birthday.

The gesture was documented by TMZ and Sports Illustrated.

According to the reports, Murray had previously promised to purchase a vehicle for his sister if she fulfilled several responsibilities.

Those expectations included earning strong grades, maintaining employment and obtaining a driver’s license.

Jacaiyah successfully completed the requirements.

She earned a 3.7 grade point average, found a job and passed her driving test.

Murray subsequently traveled to Seattle and surprised her with the vehicle.

The moment was recorded and shared online, attracting attention from basketball fans.

For Murray, the gift represented an opportunity to reward discipline, education and personal growth.

His expectations for Jacaiyah were similar to those he had established for Nate during his high school years.

Although Jacaiyah has appeared in public family moments, reliable sources provide limited information about her current educational and professional activities.

Tesh Murray: Dejounte Murray’s Late Older Sister

Tesh, sometimes identified as Montisha Murray in secondary biographical reporting, was Dejounte Murray’s older sister.

She died unexpectedly in 2021, an event that had a profound emotional impact on the basketball player and his family.

Her death was confirmed in a February 2022 report published by the San Antonio Express-News.

During the interview, Murray described the loss as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.

He explained that Tesh had been a dedicated supporter of his basketball career.

She regularly contacted him after games and followed his performances closely.

According to Murray, she sometimes became so excited while watching games that she lost her voice.

Her death left a significant absence in the family.

Murray later explained that he continued playing basketball partly in her memory.

He also received emotional support from former San Antonio Spurs teammate DeMar DeRozan, who had experienced the death of his own father.

In an interview with Andscape, Murray recalled calling DeRozan and becoming emotional while discussing his sister’s death.

DeRozan encouraged him and helped him process the experience.

Tesh left behind a young son named Kater, who subsequently spent considerable time with his uncle Dejounte.

Murray became an important source of support for his nephew following the family tragedy.

Dejounte Murray’s Relationship With His Nephew Kater

Kater is Dejounte Murray’s nephew and the son of his late older sister Tesh.

Following Tesh’s death in 2021, Kater began spending time living with his uncle.

In February 2022, the San Antonio Express-News published a feature examining their relationship.

At the time, Kater was approximately three years old.

Murray explained that caring for his nephew reminded him of his own childhood experiences.

He had relied on extended family members for support while growing up and wanted to provide similar guidance to Kater.

One particularly memorable moment occurred when Murray learned that he had been selected for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

Family members gathered to celebrate the achievement, and the emotional reaction of the adults initially confused the children.

Kater approached his uncle, who picked him up and embraced him.

Murray later described how the moment reminded him of his own experiences as a young child who wanted affection and encouragement.

His relationship with Kater demonstrates how family responsibilities have influenced his personal life beyond raising his own daughters.

Dejounte Murray’s Grandmother and Her Role in His Childhood

Dejounte Murray’s grandmother was one of the most influential figures in his early upbringing.

According to a May 2021 Sports Illustrated profile, she helped raise him alongside several siblings, cousins and other relatives.

The family frequently shared living arrangements while dealing with financial hardship and instability.

His grandmother also gave Murray the childhood nickname Baby Boy.

The nickname became popular within his family and among people who knew him before he entered the NBA.

Even after Murray became a professional basketball player, relatives and childhood friends continued using the name.

Although his grandmother helped provide care and shelter, the household faced significant challenges.

Murray has described moving between different homes and experiencing uncertainty during his childhood.

Nevertheless, his connection with his grandmother remained an important part of his family history.

Her role in raising him helped establish the foundation for the close relationships he later maintained with his younger siblings and other relatives.

How Dejounte Murray’s Uncle Terry Thompson Changed His Life

Terry Thompson is Dejounte Murray’s maternal uncle and one of the most important mentors in his basketball journey.

Thompson previously played competitive basketball and worked in the Seattle school system.

According to a 2021 Sports Illustrated profile, Murray moved into his uncle’s home during adolescence after experiencing difficulties associated with his earlier environment.

The arrangement provided greater stability and helped him concentrate on his education and basketball development.

Thompson encouraged Murray to establish better routines and become more disciplined.

Murray later recalled watching his uncle wake up early every morning and fulfill his work responsibilities.

The experience demonstrated the importance of consistency and accountability.

He eventually developed a closer connection to organized basketball and began dedicating more time to training.

Thompson also introduced Murray to positive influences within Seattle’s basketball community.

These included coaches and former professional players who recognized his potential.

Murray has frequently acknowledged his uncle’s influence on his development.

One of the most visible tributes is his jersey number 5.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Murray selected the number partly to honor Thompson, who wore the same number during his own high school basketball career.

The decision reflects the lasting significance of their relationship.

How Did Dejounte Murray’s Family Influence His NBA Career?

Dejounte Murray’s basketball career developed against the backdrop of a difficult childhood in Seattle, Washington.

Although he experienced periods of instability, several family members and mentors helped him find opportunities through basketball.

His grandmother provided care during childhood, while his uncle Terry Thompson became an important source of structure and guidance.

Murray also developed a close relationship with Seattle basketball legend Jamal Crawford.

Crawford, who attended Rainier Beach High School before becoming an NBA player, recognized Murray’s potential while he was still young.

According to a 2016 Associated Press feature, Crawford regularly communicated with Murray and maintained contact with his family members.

His mentorship helped Murray understand the demands of professional basketball and the importance of maintaining discipline.

Murray attended Rainier Beach High School, where he became one of Washington state’s leading basketball prospects.

During his high school career, he helped the school win three consecutive state championships.

His senior season brought several individual honors, including Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and Parade All-American recognition.

He subsequently committed to the University of Washington, where he played during the 2015–16 season.

As a freshman, Murray averaged 16.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

His performances earned him Second Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors.

After one college season, Murray declared for the 2016 NBA Draft.

On June 23, 2016, the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the 29th overall pick.

The selection represented an important turning point in his life, providing an opportunity to establish financial stability and support his family.

During his early years in San Antonio, Murray developed under head coach Gregg Popovich and learned from experienced teammates.

He earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2018 and gradually became one of the team’s leading players.

In 2022, he was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game.

That season, he averaged 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game.

His achievements reflected the progress he had made since growing up in Seattle.

In June 2022, Murray was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he formed a backcourt partnership with Trae Young.

He spent two seasons in Atlanta before joining the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2024.

His first season in New Orleans was interrupted by injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon suffered in January 2025.

After an extended rehabilitation period, Murray returned to NBA action on February 24, 2026, against the Golden State Warriors.

Throughout the different stages of his professional career, Murray has consistently emphasized the importance of family relationships and his responsibilities as a father.

Why Fatherhood Changed Dejounte Murray’s Life

Fatherhood has become one of the most important themes in Dejounte Murray’s personal story.

His eldest daughter, Riley, was born in July 2017, shortly after he completed his rookie NBA season.

In a March 2022 FOX Sports interview, Murray explained that becoming a father encouraged him to reconsider his priorities.

He wanted to avoid repeating some of the difficulties he experienced during childhood.

His experiences growing up without consistent parental involvement influenced his understanding of responsibility.

Murray has explained that he wants his children to feel secure, supported and confident that they can approach him whenever they need help.

In June 2023, he discussed these values again in an NBA.com feature examining the experiences of professional basketball players as fathers.

He explained that his children should have opportunities to experience childhood naturally rather than being forced to grow up too quickly.

His approach also includes teaching them right from wrong while understanding that mistakes are part of learning.

Murray has extended that sense of responsibility to his younger siblings, nieces and nephews.

By helping Nate complete high school, rewarding Jacaiyah’s academic achievements and supporting his nephew Kater, he has demonstrated a commitment to providing practical assistance within his family.

These experiences illustrate how the responsibilities of fatherhood have influenced his wider family relationships.

Dejounte Murray’s Relationship With DeMar DeRozan

Although they are not biologically related, Dejounte Murray and NBA player DeMar DeRozan share a close friendship that has sometimes been described in brotherly terms.

The two became teammates with the San Antonio Spurs and developed a relationship based on mutual respect and support.

During their time together, DeRozan provided guidance to Murray as he continued developing into an established NBA player.

Their friendship became especially important during difficult personal moments.

In February 2022, Murray revealed that he had contacted DeRozan after the death of his older sister Tesh.

He explained that he had become emotional during the conversation and received comfort from his former teammate.

DeRozan encouraged him and helped him maintain perspective while dealing with the loss.

Their relationship was examined in an Andscape article published in February 2022, highlighting DeRozan’s role in supporting fellow basketball players and their families.

Although DeRozan is not part of Murray’s biological family, their friendship has remained an important personal connection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dejounte Murray’s Family

Who is Dejounte Murray’s father?

Dejounte Murray’s father is John Murray. Their relationship experienced difficulties during his childhood, but they publicly reconciled in June 2022 when Dejounte surprised his father with a new vehicle.

Who is Dejounte Murray’s mother?

His mother is Shameka Thompson, also known as Meka. Her identity is confirmed in the New Orleans Pelicans’ official media guide.

How many siblings does Dejounte Murray have?

Dejounte Murray has at least three publicly identified siblings: his younger brother Nate, younger sister Jacaiyah and late older sister Tesh. Additional relatives have been mentioned in extended-family reporting.

Who is Dejounte Murray’s brother?

His younger brother is Nate Murray, whom Dejounte helped support during high school in San Antonio. In 2019, he surprised Nate with a Dodge Challenger after his graduation.

Who are Dejounte Murray’s sisters?

His publicly identified sisters include Jacaiyah and Tesh. Jacaiyah received a car from Dejounte for her 18th birthday in 2022, while his older sister Tesh died in 2021.

What happened to Dejounte Murray’s sister?

His older sister Tesh died unexpectedly in 2021. Murray subsequently helped care for her young son, Kater, and has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of her death.

Who is Dejounte Murray’s girlfriend?

Dejounte Murray has maintained a publicly documented relationship with social media personality Jania Meshell. They share a daughter and announced another pregnancy in July 2026, although their current romantic status is not conclusively confirmed.

Is Dejounte Murray married to Jania Meshell?

Some entertainment publications have described Jania Meshell as Murray’s wife, but a verified wedding date and definitive public confirmation of their legal marital status have not been consistently established.

How many children does Dejounte Murray have?

Dejounte Murray has two confirmed daughters, Riley and Icelynn Mercedes Murray. In July 2026, Jania Meshell also announced that they were expecting a baby boy, but a subsequent birth has not been independently verified.

Who is Dejounte Murray’s first daughter?

His eldest daughter is Riley Murray, who was born on July 14, 2017.

Who is Dejounte Murray’s second daughter?

His second daughter is Icelynn Mercedes Murray, who was born on April 9, 2023, to Murray and Jania Meshell.

Is Dejounte Murray expecting a son?

In July 2026, Jania Meshell announced that she was pregnant with another child fathered by Murray. He subsequently indicated that they were expecting a boy.

Who raised Dejounte Murray?

Dejounte Murray was raised with support from several relatives, including his grandmother and maternal uncle Terry Thompson, who became an important mentor during adolescence.

Why does Dejounte Murray wear number 5?

Dejounte Murray wears jersey number 5 partly as a tribute to his uncle Terry Thompson, who wore the same number during his own high school basketball career.

Where was Dejounte Murray born?

Dejounte Murray was born on September 19, 1996, in Seattle, Washington, United States.

What is Dejounte Murray’s full name?

His full name is Dejounte Dashaun Murray.

Which NBA team does Dejounte Murray play for?

Dejounte Murray plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks in July 2024.