Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Grayson Allen is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Born on October 8, 1995, in Jacksonville, Florida, he is the son of William Allen and Sherry Allen. Although he was born an only child, he grew up alongside his childhood best friend, Tonan Ferrell, whom he considers a brother. His parents played an important role in his upbringing, encouraging academic achievement, personal development, and his passion for basketball.
Beyond his professional career, Allen has established a family of his own. He married former professional soccer player Morgan Reid on July 23, 2022, after the couple met while attending Duke University. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Emslie May, on October 26, 2024. After spending several seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Allen joined the Charlotte Hornets in July 2026. His wife, daughter, parents, and close relationship with Tonan remain important parts of his personal story.
Who Is Grayson Allen’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Grayson Allen is married to Morgan Reid, a former American professional soccer player who represented Duke University, North Carolina Courage, and Orlando Pride.
The couple met while attending Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where both competed in NCAA Division I athletics.
Allen played basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, while Morgan represented the university’s women’s soccer team.
According to an interview published by PEOPLE in March 2025, the couple became close friends during their freshman year in 2014 but did not begin dating until their senior year.
Their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship as they spent more time together on campus.
Following their graduation in 2018, both athletes pursued professional careers. Allen entered the NBA, while Morgan joined the National Women’s Soccer League.
The early years of their relationship involved considerable travel because they played professional sports in different cities.
However, they maintained their relationship despite the challenges of living apart during their respective seasons.
After several years together, the couple became engaged in February 2022 and married five months later.
As of now, Morgan Reid is Grayson Allen’s wife, rather than his girlfriend or fiancée.
Who Is Morgan Reid?
Morgan Nicole Reid was born on June 13, 1995, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. She grew up in Cary, North Carolina, in a family with a strong sporting background.
Her parents are Brian Reid and Cheryl Reid, both former college athletes.
Her father wrestled at Ohio State University between 1986 and 1990, while her mother played basketball for the university from 1987 to 1991.
Morgan also has four siblings: three brothers named Justin, Jake, and Jason, and a sister named Madison.
Her grandfather, George Reid, was a former collegiate wrestler and wrestling coach who worked at the University of Georgia.
Growing up in this athletic environment, Morgan participated in several sports before concentrating on soccer.
She attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she established herself as one of the country’s promising young soccer defenders.
Her high school achievements included All-American recognition and participation in United States youth national team programs.
Morgan represented the United States at the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and was part of the team that won the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship.
In 2014, she joined Duke University, where she continued developing her soccer career while studying evolutionary anthropology.
During her time with the Blue Devils, Reid became an important defensive player and contributed to the program’s success in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
After graduating in 2018, she joined North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League.
She subsequently moved to Orlando Pride, where she continued her professional career before a serious hip injury interrupted her playing ambitions.
The injury eventually required surgery and contributed to her decision to retire from professional soccer.
Despite leaving competitive soccer, Morgan remained connected to sports through her husband and her experiences as a former professional athlete.
How Did Grayson Allen Meet Morgan Reid?
Grayson Allen and Morgan Reid first met at Duke University in 2014.
Both arrived on campus as promising athletes and developed a friendship during their freshman year.
They spent several years getting to know each other before beginning a romantic relationship during their senior year.
In a 2022 interview with Whistle Sports, Morgan explained that they had been best friends since their first year at Duke.
She also revealed that their first kiss occurred at her apartment during their final year of college.
After graduating, the couple continued their relationship while pursuing different professional sports careers.
Allen began his NBA journey with the Utah Jazz, while Morgan played professional soccer in the National Women’s Soccer League.
In a February 2024 interview with the Phoenix Suns, Morgan acknowledged that maintaining a long-distance relationship had been difficult during their early professional careers.
However, they continued spending time together whenever their schedules allowed.
Their relationship eventually developed into marriage and parenthood.
Grayson Allen and Morgan Reid’s Engagement
Grayson Allen proposed to Morgan Reid in February 2022 during a romantic beachside occasion.
The couple publicly announced their engagement on February 24, 2022, sharing photographs on Instagram.
The images showed Allen kneeling on the sand while presenting an engagement ring to Morgan.
The announcement attracted congratulations from basketball fans, soccer supporters, former college teammates, and friends.
After several years of dating, the engagement marked an important milestone in their relationship.
They began planning their wedding while Allen continued his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
When Did Grayson Allen Marry Morgan Reid?
Grayson Allen and Morgan Reid married on July 23, 2022, at Nestldown, a wedding venue located in Los Gatos, California.
The ceremony took place outdoors among the venue’s giant redwood trees, creating a natural setting for the celebration.
According to PEOPLE, the couple’s dog, Teddy, participated in the wedding as the ring-bearer.
Following the ceremony, guests attended a reception in a rustic event space on the property.
The couple shared photographs from their wedding through social media, celebrating the beginning of their married life.
Their wedding came four years after they graduated from Duke University and several months after their engagement.
Since marrying, Allen and Morgan have experienced several important family milestones, including the birth of their daughter in October 2024.
Does Grayson Allen Have Children?
Yes. Grayson Allen has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Emslie May Allen.
He and his wife, Morgan Reid, welcomed their first child on October 26, 2024, while Allen was playing for the Phoenix Suns.
The birth was reported by The Arizona Republic and subsequently confirmed in biographical coverage published by PEOPLE.
Allen temporarily stepped away from basketball commitments to be present for his daughter’s arrival.
Speaking to reporters afterward, he expressed excitement about becoming a father and described the experience as one of the happiest moments of his life.
The couple later shared photographs celebrating the arrival of their daughter.
As of now, Emslie is the only child publicly confirmed through reliable reporting.
Emslie May Allen – Grayson Allen’s Daughter
Emslie May Allen was born on October 26, 2024, at 5:14 p.m., according to comments Grayson Allen made to reporters after her birth.
She is the first child of Grayson Allen and Morgan Reid.
The couple had announced Morgan’s pregnancy in July 2024 through a joint social media post featuring photographs taken during a vacation.
They revealed that they were expecting a daughter and expressed excitement about becoming parents.
When Emslie arrived in October, Allen missed a Phoenix Suns game against the Los Angeles Lakers to remain with his wife during childbirth.
According to The Arizona Republic, he returned to the team after welcoming his daughter and spoke openly about the emotional significance of the experience.
He also revealed that Morgan had taken the lead in choosing their daughter’s name, with some input from him.
On January 1, 2025, Allen and Morgan shared photographs of Emslie through social media while reflecting on the previous year.
The arrival of their daughter represented a new chapter in the couple’s lives, combining the demands of professional basketball with their responsibilities as parents.
Although they have occasionally shared family milestones publicly, they have generally maintained privacy around their daughter’s everyday life.
Who Are Grayson Allen’s Parents?
Grayson Allen’s parents are William Allen and Sherry Allen. Their identities are confirmed in his official Duke University basketball biography and NBA player profile.
Both parents raised him in Jacksonville, Florida, where they encouraged him to excel academically and develop his interests outside basketball.
Unlike many professional basketball players who grow up with parents who have extensive competitive athletic backgrounds, Allen’s parents were not professional athletes or basketball coaches.
His father worked as a government contractor, while his mother built a career in human resources management.
They supported their son’s sporting ambitions while emphasizing the importance of education and personal responsibility.
Grayson Allen’s Father: William Allen
William Allen is Grayson Allen’s father and an important figure in his upbringing.
According to biographical reporting published by Heavy and Famous Birthdays, William worked as a government contractor.
Although he did not pursue a professional basketball career, he supported his son’s interest in the sport from childhood.
Grayson grew up playing basketball and other sports with neighborhood friends in Jacksonville.
His father regularly participated in family activities and helped provide an environment where Grayson could develop his competitive personality.
According to a January 2016 Sports Illustrated profile, William and his wife sometimes watched neighborhood football games from the sidelines to ensure that the children’s intense competition remained friendly.
William also supported Grayson’s academic development.
When his son began attracting attention from major college basketball programs, the family considered both athletic opportunities and educational quality.
In 2013, legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski visited the Allen family home as part of the recruitment process.
The visit became a memorable moment for the family, who prepared extensively for the opportunity to welcome the prominent coach.
Grayson eventually chose Duke University, where he completed a four-year college basketball career.
William continued supporting him throughout college and celebrated his graduation in May 2018.
His father’s encouragement helped establish an appreciation for education alongside professional sports.
Grayson Allen’s Mother: Sherry Allen
Sherry Allen is Grayson Allen’s mother and one of the most influential people in his childhood.
She worked in human resources management and held several positions in Jacksonville, Florida.
According to a 2018 family profile published by Heavy, Sherry previously worked at Flagler Development and Hope Haven Children’s Clinic & Family Center.
She later held human resources leadership positions at North Florida Management Services and Children’s Educational Services.
Beyond her professional career, Sherry was actively involved in her son’s education and personal development.
She encouraged him to take school seriously and supported his interest in basketball without allowing athletic success to become his only priority.
Her commitment to helping others also became apparent through the family’s relationship with Tonan Ferrell.
When Grayson was a young boy, Sherry learned that one of his classmates was experiencing difficult family circumstances.
After discovering that the boy was Grayson’s close friend, she and William invited him into their home.
That child was Tonan Ferrell, who eventually became an important part of the Allen family.
According to Sports Illustrated, Tonan spent considerable time living with the Allens, and Sherry treated him as another son.
Her willingness to welcome Tonan into the household gave both boys an opportunity to grow up with a close sibling-like relationship.
Sherry also remained involved in Grayson’s college basketball journey.
In May 2018, Duke University published a feature celebrating his graduation, including comments from Grayson and his parents.
The family expressed pride in his academic accomplishment, which had been an important goal since he first arrived at Duke.
Sherry’s influence extended beyond athletics, helping shape Grayson’s values concerning family, education, and friendship.
Grayson Allen’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Grayson Allen is an only child by birth and does not have any publicly documented biological brothers or sisters.
However, he grew up alongside Tonan Ferrell, a childhood friend whom he considers his brother.
The relationship between Allen and Ferrell became the subject of a January 2016 Sports Illustrated feature titled “Bond of Brothers.”
Although the two are not biologically related, they shared a household during significant periods of their childhood and developed a close family bond.
Allen has publicly described Tonan as his brother, emphasizing that their relationship extends far beyond an ordinary friendship.
Tonan Ferrell – Grayson Allen’s Brother Figure
Tonan Ferrell is Grayson Allen’s childhood best friend and a person he considers part of his immediate family.
The two first met while attending Grace Lutheran School in Jacksonville, Florida.
They became friends during elementary school and developed a particularly close relationship through their shared interest in basketball and other activities.
According to Sports Illustrated, Tonan experienced difficult family circumstances during childhood, and Grayson’s parents began inviting him to spend time at their home.
What initially involved occasional afternoon visits gradually developed into longer stays.
Tonan eventually spent considerable periods living with William, Sherry, and Grayson.
The boys shared a bedroom, played basketball together, and participated in numerous childhood activities.
They also enjoyed video games, movies, and competitive sports.
Despite their different personalities, their friendship became increasingly important as they grew older.
Grayson was relatively quiet during childhood, while Tonan was more outgoing and comfortable interacting with other people.
Sports Illustrated reported that Tonan often helped Grayson develop confidence in social situations.
In return, Grayson provided friendship and a sense of belonging during an important period of Tonan’s childhood.
Their close relationship continued into their teenage years.
When Tonan attended Providence School, where Grayson played basketball, the two spent additional time living together.
Tonan also accompanied the Allen family to Duke University when Grayson began his college career in 2014.
He subsequently attended Florida Atlantic University, where he studied business management with a focus on hospitality.
Although their educational and professional paths were different, the relationship between them remained important.
In the Sports Illustrated interview, both described their bond as a genuine brotherhood.
It is important to distinguish this close family relationship from a formally documented adoption. Public reporting establishes that Tonan was welcomed into the Allen household and treated as family, but does not clearly establish a legal adoption by William and Sherry.
Therefore, he is most accurately described as Grayson Allen’s brother figure or chosen brother.
How Grayson Allen’s Parents Influenced His Basketball Career
Grayson Allen was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he developed an interest in competitive sports from a young age.
His parents encouraged him to remain active and participate in different extracurricular activities.
Although neither parent was a professional basketball player, they supported his decision to pursue the sport seriously.
Allen attended Providence School, where he developed into one of Florida’s leading high school basketball players.
During his junior season, he helped Providence win the Florida Class 3A state basketball championship in 2013.
His outstanding athletic ability earned him national recognition and a place in the 2014 McDonald’s All-American Game.
He also won the event’s slam dunk competition, attracting attention for his explosive jumping ability.
Allen subsequently accepted a scholarship to Duke University, where he played under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.
His parents placed considerable importance on his academic development throughout his college career.
Instead of leaving college early for professional basketball, Allen remained at Duke for four seasons and graduated in May 2018 with a degree in psychology.
In a university interview about his graduation, he explained that earning a Duke degree represented an important personal accomplishment.
He also acknowledged that his parents had encouraged him to complete his education.
Their emphasis on academic achievement became an important part of his development beyond basketball.
Grayson Allen’s College Career at Duke University
Grayson Allen played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils from 2014 to 2018.
During his freshman season, he became part of the team that won the 2015 NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship.
He delivered an important performance in the national championship game against Wisconsin, scoring 16 points and helping Duke secure a 68–63 victory.
His performance increased expectations surrounding his college basketball career.
During the 2015–16 season, Allen became one of Duke’s leading offensive players, averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
He earned All-American recognition and established himself as one of the country’s most productive guards.
Although his college career also included disciplinary controversies related to on-court incidents, he continued developing his basketball abilities and leadership responsibilities.
During his final season, he served as a team captain and helped Duke reach the Elite Eight of the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Allen finished his collegiate career with 1,996 points and became one of the few Duke players to record at least 1,900 points, 400 rebounds, and 400 assists.
His four years at Duke were also personally significant because they introduced him to his future wife, Morgan Reid.
The couple’s relationship eventually became one of the lasting connections from their time at the university.
Grayson Allen’s NBA Career and Family Life
Following his graduation from Duke, Grayson Allen entered the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Utah Jazz selected him with the 21st overall pick, beginning his professional basketball career.
After his rookie season in Utah, Allen joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019.
He spent two seasons with Memphis before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in August 2021.
During his time in Milwaukee, Allen developed into an effective perimeter shooter and played an important role in the team’s offensive rotation.
He subsequently joined the Phoenix Suns in September 2023 as part of a three-team trade.
His first season with Phoenix was particularly successful.
During the 2023–24 campaign, Allen led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, converting 46.1 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
His performances earned him a four-year contract extension with the Suns in April 2024.
That year also brought an important personal milestone when Morgan announced that they were expecting their first child.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Emslie May, in October 2024, marking the beginning of their lives as parents.
Allen continued playing for Phoenix through the 2025–26 season.
On July 13, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets officially announced that they had acquired Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a future first-round draft pick from the Suns.
In exchange, Charlotte sent Miles Bridges and additional draft compensation to Phoenix.
The trade marked another chapter in Allen’s professional basketball career after previous stops in Utah, Memphis, Milwaukee, and Phoenix.
As he begins his time with Charlotte, his wife and daughter remain important parts of his life outside professional basketball.
Grayson Allen’s Extended Family Through Morgan Reid
Marriage to Morgan Reid also connected Grayson Allen to another family with an extensive background in competitive sports.
Morgan’s father, Brian Reid, wrestled at Ohio State University, while her mother, Cheryl Reid, competed in college basketball.
Her grandfather, George Reid, was a former college wrestler and wrestling coach who worked at several universities, including the University of Georgia.
Morgan’s brothers, Justin, Jake, and Jason, also pursued basketball during their younger years.
Her sister, Madison, developed an interest in competitive soccer.
According to Morgan’s official Duke University biography, several members of the Reid family participated in collegiate athletics across different sports.
This extensive sporting background creates an additional connection between the two families.
Although Grayson grew up without biological siblings, his marriage introduced him to several brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.
The couple now share a family environment shaped by their experiences in basketball, soccer, wrestling, and other competitive sports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grayson Allen’s Family
Who is Grayson Allen’s wife?
Grayson Allen’s wife is Morgan Reid, a former professional soccer player who represented Duke University, North Carolina Courage, and Orlando Pride. They married on July 23, 2022.
Who was Grayson Allen’s girlfriend?
Grayson Allen’s longtime girlfriend was Morgan Reid. The couple met at Duke University, began dating during their senior year, became engaged in February 2022, and married in July 2022.
Does Grayson Allen have children?
Yes. Grayson Allen has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Emslie May Allen.
When was Grayson Allen’s daughter born?
His daughter, Emslie May, was born on October 26, 2024, while Allen was playing for the Phoenix Suns.
What is Grayson Allen’s daughter’s name?
Grayson Allen’s daughter’s name is Emslie May. Her name was publicly confirmed by Allen following her birth in October 2024.
Who are Grayson Allen’s parents?
Grayson Allen’s parents are William Allen and Sherry Allen. His father worked as a government contractor, while his mother pursued a career in human resources management.
Who is Grayson Allen’s father?
His father is William Allen, who helped raise him in Jacksonville, Florida, and supported his basketball and educational development.
Who is Grayson Allen’s mother?
His mother is Sherry Allen, a human resources professional who supported his athletic career and welcomed his childhood friend Tonan Ferrell into the family home.
Does Grayson Allen have siblings?
Grayson Allen is an only child by birth, but he grew up alongside Tonan Ferrell, a childhood friend whom he considers his brother.
Who is Grayson Allen’s brother Tonan Ferrell?
Tonan Ferrell is Grayson Allen’s childhood best friend and brother figure. The Allen family welcomed him into their household when he was young, and the two developed a close sibling-like relationship.
Was Tonan Ferrell legally adopted by Grayson Allen’s parents?
Public reporting confirms that Tonan spent considerable time living with the Allen family and was treated as a brother. However, a formal legal adoption has not been clearly established in reliable sources.
How did Grayson Allen meet his wife?
Grayson Allen met Morgan Reid at Duke University in 2014. They became friends during their freshman year and started dating during their senior year.
Where did Grayson Allen get married?
Grayson Allen and Morgan Reid married at Nestldown in Los Gatos, California, on July 23, 2022.
Did Grayson Allen’s wife play professional soccer?
Yes. Morgan Reid played professional soccer for North Carolina Courage and Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League before retiring following a serious hip injury.
Where was Grayson Allen born?
Grayson Allen was born on October 8, 1995, in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.
Which college did Grayson Allen attend?
He attended Duke University from 2014 to 2018, winning the 2015 NCAA basketball championship and graduating with a degree in psychology.
Which NBA team does Grayson Allen play for?
Grayson Allen plays for the Charlotte Hornets, who acquired him from the Phoenix Suns in July 2026.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
