Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Caris LeVert is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Born Caris Coleman LeVert on August 25, 1994, in Columbus, Ohio, he developed into an outstanding college basketball player at the University of Michigan before being selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Behind his successful basketball career is a close-knit family whose support helped him overcome personal tragedy, injuries and other challenges throughout his life.
Caris LeVert’s family includes his mother, Kim LeVert, his late father, Darryl Wayne LeVert, and his younger brother, Darryl Marcus LeVert. His father was a former college basketball player and graphic designer who died in April 2010, while his mother built a career in education. His brother also played college basketball, and the family has connections to legendary R&B singer Eddie LeVert of The O’Jays. Although Caris has spoken openly about his parents and brother, he has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships. Here is everything publicly known about Caris LeVert’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Caris LeVert’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Caris LeVert has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. Despite spending more than a decade in the national basketball spotlight, the Milwaukee Bucks guard has generally kept his romantic relationships away from public attention.
Throughout his career with the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons, most of his interviews have focused on basketball, his family, his personal development and his experiences overcoming adversity.
His social media accounts also provide relatively little verified information about his dating life.
Although several entertainment websites have previously connected LeVert with a woman named Carissa Martin, there has been no reliable public confirmation establishing that the two were romantically involved.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify Martin or anyone else as his current girlfriend without additional supporting evidence.
As of now, Caris LeVert’s relationship status remains publicly unconfirmed. This does not necessarily mean that he is single, as he may simply prefer to keep his personal relationships private.
Did Caris LeVert Date Carissa Martin?
Caris LeVert was previously linked to Carissa Martin, a woman reportedly associated with sports broadcasting and digital media.
The speculation appeared in online entertainment reporting during his early NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets.
A November 2018 article published by FabWags identified Martin as LeVert’s girlfriend, while subsequent articles repeated the relationship claim.
According to those reports, Martin had connections to the University of Michigan, where LeVert played college basketball.
She was described as having experience with student television, sports reporting and digital media.
However, an article published by EssentiallySports in January 2025 noted that neither LeVert nor Martin had publicly confirmed the relationship.
The available evidence therefore does not establish whether they actually dated, how long any possible relationship lasted or whether they remain in contact.
There have been no reliable recent reports confirming that Martin is LeVert’s current partner.
Is Caris LeVert Married?
There are no credible public reports confirming that Caris LeVert is married.
The professional basketball player has not made a widely documented public wedding announcement or identified anyone as his wife.
His official NBA biography discusses his mother, brother, sporting interests and basketball career but does not identify a spouse.
Although his personal life remains largely private, there is insufficient verified information to establish that he has ever been married.
Does Caris LeVert Have Children?
There is no credible public information confirming that Caris LeVert has children.
The Milwaukee Bucks guard has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official basketball biographies do not identify him as a father.
Although LeVert has participated in community events benefiting children and families, those charitable activities should not be confused with having children of his own.
His public discussions of family life have generally concentrated on his mother, late father, younger brother and extended relatives.
As of now, Caris LeVert has no publicly confirmed children.
Who Are Caris LeVert’s Parents?
Caris LeVert’s parents are Kim LeVert and the late Darryl Wayne LeVert.
His father worked as a graphic designer and had a background in college basketball, while his mother pursued a professional career in education.
The couple raised two sons, Caris and Darryl Marcus, in Ohio.
Although the family experienced a devastating loss when Darryl Wayne died in 2010, the values he and Kim instilled in their children continued influencing their personal and athletic development.
Caris LeVert’s Father: Darryl Wayne LeVert
Darryl Wayne LeVert was Caris LeVert’s father, a former college basketball player and graphic designer.
According to an official Cleveland Cavaliers interview published in December 2022, Darryl played college basketball at Capital University in Ohio.
His athletic background contributed to the family’s interest in sports, particularly basketball.
Outside athletics, Darryl established a career as a graphic designer and possessed artistic abilities that his sons admired.
In his interview with the Cavaliers, Caris explained that his father was talented at drawing, although Caris himself did not inherit the same artistic interests.
Darryl also played an important role in teaching his children discipline, patience and perseverance.
His influence was especially important because Caris and his younger brother grew up participating in competitive sports.
According to an April 2015 interview published by the University of Michigan Athletics Department, Darryl encouraged his sons to remain committed to their goals rather than abandon difficult challenges.
That lesson continued influencing Caris after his father’s death.
What Happened to Caris LeVert’s Father?
Darryl Wayne LeVert died on April 4, 2010, at the age of 46.
His death occurred on Easter Sunday and was attributed to a heart attack.
At the time, Caris was 15 years old, while his younger brother, Darryl Marcus, was 14.
According to reporting published by Sports Illustrated in April 2021, the two brothers discovered their father unresponsive at their family home.
Caris subsequently contacted his mother, who was away from home, to inform her about the tragedy.
The experience was emotionally devastating for the family and became a defining moment in the basketball player’s childhood.
During a February 2017 interview with the New York Post, LeVert discussed how losing his father influenced his maturity and outlook on life.
He explained that his father’s guidance continued to shape his decisions, particularly during difficult periods.
The loss also strengthened the relationship between Caris, his mother and his younger brother.
Years later, while considering whether to leave Michigan early for the NBA Draft, Caris recalled the lessons his father had taught him about commitment and perseverance.
He ultimately decided to return to Michigan for his senior season in 2015–16, partly because he valued completing his education.
Although Darryl Wayne did not live to see his son reach the NBA, his influence remains an important part of Caris LeVert’s personal story.
Caris LeVert’s Mother: Kim LeVert
Kim LeVert is Caris LeVert’s mother and a retired educator who worked as a teacher and school principal.
She spent much of her professional career in public education in the Columbus, Ohio, area.
According to the University of Michigan, Kim previously worked as a first-grade teacher with Columbus City Schools.
During a December 2022 interview with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Caris explained that his mother had worked as both an elementary school teacher and a principal before retiring.
Her professional background contributed to the importance the LeVert family placed on education.
Following her husband’s death in April 2010, Kim became the central parental figure in the lives of her two sons.
She continued supporting their academic and athletic development while maintaining her responsibilities as an educator.
Her encouragement became particularly important when Caris began attracting attention as a high school basketball prospect.
He attended Pickerington High School Central in Ohio, where he developed into one of the state’s promising young players.
After receiving an opportunity to play college basketball at the University of Michigan, Caris moved to Ann Arbor, where he continued his education and basketball career.
Kim remained closely involved in his decisions throughout college.
In an April 2015 interview with Michigan Athletics, LeVert explained that his mother was the first person he informed about his decision to return for his senior season.
As an educator, she was particularly pleased that her son wanted to continue working toward his university degree.
Her influence also extended into his professional basketball career.
When LeVert joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, Kim frequently supported him at games and participated in events organized by the franchise.
In March 2017, NetsDaily reported that Kim had joined a team-sponsored family trip and praised the organization’s efforts to include players’ relatives in team activities.
Her support became especially important during one of the most difficult periods of Caris’s professional career in 2021.
How Kim LeVert Supported Her Son During His Cancer Treatment
In January 2021, Caris LeVert received unexpected medical news while completing a physical examination required for his trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Indiana Pacers.
Doctors discovered a small mass on his left kidney that was subsequently diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer.
The diagnosis was particularly frightening because LeVert had not experienced symptoms indicating that something was wrong.
His mother, Kim, became one of his most important sources of emotional support.
According to a detailed Sports Illustrated feature published on April 13, 2021, Kim traveled to Indiana to be with her son during the medical evaluations and recovery process.
She helped him manage everyday activities following surgery and remained by his side as he worked toward returning to basketball.
The article described how Kim cooked for him, encouraged him to take short walks and participated in simple activities to keep his spirits positive.
After undergoing successful surgery in January 2021, LeVert gradually resumed basketball training.
He eventually made his Indiana Pacers debut on March 13, 2021, against the Phoenix Suns.
His return marked an important personal achievement for the entire family.
The experience further demonstrated the strength of the relationship between Caris and his mother, whose support had remained constant through the loss of his father, college injuries and professional basketball challenges.
Caris LeVert’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Brother
Caris LeVert has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger brother Darryl Marcus LeVert.
According to official University of Michigan and NBA biographies, Darryl Marcus is approximately 11 months younger than Caris.
The brothers grew up together in Ohio and developed a strong competitive relationship through basketball and other childhood activities.
Their close age difference allowed them to participate in many of the same sports and share similar experiences throughout their upbringing.
Caris LeVert’s Brother: Darryl Marcus LeVert
Darryl Marcus LeVert is Caris LeVert’s younger brother and a former college basketball player.
Like his older brother, Darryl developed an interest in basketball at an early age.
Growing up in Pickerington, Ohio, the brothers regularly competed against each other and practiced basketball together.
Caris has described their relationship as highly competitive, explaining that neither brother enjoyed losing to the other.
During a December 2022 interview with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Caris recalled the many sporting competitions they shared during childhood.
He explained that Darryl eventually became taller and physically bigger than him despite being the younger sibling.
According to official basketball biographies, Darryl Marcus played college basketball at Connors State College in Oklahoma.
He later attended Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, where he continued his basketball career.
In April 2015, Caris discussed his brother’s college basketball situation during an interview with Michigan Athletics.
At the time, Darryl had completed his experience at Mott Community College and was considering opportunities to continue playing at a four-year institution.
Although Darryl did not achieve the same national recognition as Caris, his involvement in college basketball reflected the family’s athletic background.
The brothers have also supported each other through significant personal challenges.
Their father’s death in 2010 was one of the most difficult experiences they shared.
They subsequently maintained a close relationship as Caris pursued professional basketball.
Darryl Marcus LeVert’s Support During Caris’s NBA Career
Darryl Marcus has remained an important person in Caris LeVert’s life, particularly during difficult periods.
In January 2021, Darryl was staying with Caris in Indianapolis when the basketball player learned about the mass discovered on his kidney.
According to Sports Illustrated, Caris informed his younger brother about the diagnosis before discussing it with several other relatives.
Darryl recalled how his brother remained calm while explaining the unexpected medical news.
The moment reminded both brothers of the challenges they had already experienced together, particularly the loss of their father.
Darryl also helped Caris maintain his connection to basketball while he awaited additional medical examinations.
The brothers spent time practicing together as Caris tried to remain focused during the uncertainty surrounding his diagnosis.
In his interview with Sports Illustrated, Darryl described Caris as an exceptionally strong individual because of the difficulties he had overcome throughout his life.
The relationship between the brothers remains one of the most extensively documented aspects of Caris LeVert’s family background.
Does Caris LeVert Have a Sister?
There is no verified public information indicating that Caris LeVert has a sister.
His official NBA biography identifies his brother Darryl, while University of Michigan interviews describe Caris and Darryl Marcus as the two sons of Kim and Darryl Wayne LeVert.
No additional siblings have been reliably identified in the family interviews reviewed for this profile.
Is Caris LeVert Related to Eddie LeVert of The O’Jays?
Yes. Caris LeVert has a family connection to Eddie LeVert, the legendary American singer and lead vocalist of the R&B group The O’Jays.
According to published biographical accounts, Caris is a third cousin of Eddie LeVert.
Born on June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama, Eddie became internationally recognized through his performances with The O’Jays.
The group achieved major commercial success during the 1970s with songs including “Love Train,” “Back Stabbers” and “For the Love of Money.”
Eddie also became known as the father of singers Gerald LeVert and Sean LeVert.
Gerald enjoyed a successful solo music career and performed as a member of the R&B groups LeVert and LSG.
Sean was also a member of the musical group LeVert, contributing to the family’s prominence in American R&B music.
Although Caris pursued a very different career in professional basketball, this connection means his extended family includes several recognized figures in the entertainment industry.
The relationship is sometimes a source of confusion among basketball fans who wonder whether the NBA player is directly descended from the famous singer.
However, Eddie LeVert is not Caris’s father or grandfather. They are extended relatives.
Caris LeVert’s Grandfather and Family Name
Another interesting aspect of Caris LeVert’s family background is the origin of his unusual first name.
According to published biographical accounts, Caris was named after his grandfather, who served as president of the Johnstown, Ohio, school board.
This family connection reflects a history of involvement in education and community leadership.
His mother also pursued a career in education, while his father worked professionally as a graphic designer.
Although additional information about his grandfather’s personal life remains limited, the naming tradition represents another connection between Caris and previous generations of his family.
Caris LeVert’s Childhood and Family Background in Ohio
Caris LeVert was born in Columbus, Ohio, and spent much of his childhood in nearby Pickerington.
He grew up in a family where sports and education were important parts of everyday life.
His father had played college basketball, while his mother worked as a teacher.
Caris initially enjoyed several different sports, including football, basketball and tennis.
In an interview with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he explained that football was his favorite sport during childhood.
However, he eventually decided to concentrate on basketball after realizing that the sport offered him greater opportunities for development.
His younger brother also pursued basketball, creating a competitive environment at home.
The brothers frequently practiced together and challenged each other in informal games.
Caris attended Pickerington High School Central, where he developed into an outstanding basketball prospect.
During his senior season in 2011–12, he helped lead the school to an Ohio Division I state championship.
He earned recognition as one of the area’s leading high school players, attracting attention from college basketball recruiters.
Although his father had died before witnessing these achievements, LeVert continued drawing motivation from the lessons he had received during childhood.
How Caris LeVert’s Family Influenced His College Basketball Career
Caris LeVert’s journey to the University of Michigan included several unexpected developments.
He initially committed to Ohio University, where he planned to play under head coach John Groce.
However, Groce left Ohio to become the head coach at the University of Illinois in 2012.
The coaching change led LeVert to reconsider his college decision.
He eventually committed to Michigan, joining the Wolverines under head coach John Beilein.
LeVert arrived at Michigan as a relatively lightly recruited prospect but gradually developed into an important player.
During his freshman season in 2012–13, Michigan reached the NCAA national championship game against Louisville.
Although the Wolverines lost the championship, the experience provided LeVert with valuable exposure to high-level college basketball.
He continued improving during his sophomore season, averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
His performances helped Michigan win the outright Big Ten regular-season championship in 2014.
However, injuries interrupted his junior and senior seasons, creating uncertainty about his professional future.
During these difficult periods, the support of his mother and brother became particularly important.
In April 2015, LeVert decided to remain at Michigan for another season rather than enter the NBA Draft early.
He explained that completing his university education was an important consideration.
The decision also reflected the values his father had taught him about finishing what he started.
His mother, who had devoted her professional life to education, strongly supported the choice.
LeVert ultimately completed his four-year college basketball career before entering the 2016 NBA Draft.
Caris LeVert’s NBA Career and His Family’s Support
Caris LeVert began his professional basketball career in June 2016 when the Indiana Pacers selected him with the 20th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
His draft rights were subsequently traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he made his NBA debut during the 2016–17 season.
At Brooklyn, LeVert gradually established himself as a versatile shooting guard capable of scoring, defending and creating opportunities for teammates.
He produced several impressive performances, including a career-high 51 points against the Boston Celtics in March 2020.
His career took another major turn in January 2021 when he was traded to the Indiana Pacers.
The trade unexpectedly led to the discovery of a cancerous mass on his kidney during a routine medical examination.
After undergoing successful surgery, LeVert returned to professional basketball in March 2021.
In February 2022, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing him closer to his Ohio roots.
He spent approximately three years with Cleveland before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2025.
During the summer of 2025, LeVert signed with the Detroit Pistons, returning to Michigan, where he had played college basketball.
He contributed to Detroit’s 2025–26 campaign before another trade changed his professional circumstances.
On July 8, 2026, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired LeVert from the Detroit Pistons as part of a six-team transaction.
Milwaukee received LeVert and two future second-round draft picks, while Detroit acquired multiple players and draft assets through the larger agreement.
The move gave LeVert another opportunity to contribute as an experienced NBA guard.
Throughout these transitions, his family background has remained an important influence on his character and professional approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caris LeVert’s Family
Who is Caris LeVert’s girlfriend?
Caris LeVert has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend. He was previously linked to Carissa Martin in entertainment reports, but that relationship was never independently verified.
Did Caris LeVert date Carissa Martin?
Several online reports linked LeVert to Carissa Martin during his early NBA career. However, there is no reliable public confirmation that they dated, and no verified evidence establishing that they remain together.
Is Caris LeVert married?
There are no credible public reports confirming that Caris LeVert is married or has a wife.
Does Caris LeVert have children?
There are no verified public reports indicating that Caris LeVert has children.
Who is Caris LeVert’s father?
His father was Darryl Wayne LeVert, a former college basketball player and graphic designer who died on April 4, 2010.
How did Caris LeVert’s father die?
Darryl Wayne LeVert died from a heart attack on April 4, 2010, at the age of 46.
Who is Caris LeVert’s mother?
His mother is Kim LeVert, a retired educator who worked as an elementary school teacher and principal in Ohio.
How many siblings does Caris LeVert have?
Caris LeVert has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger brother Darryl Marcus LeVert.
Who is Caris LeVert’s brother?
His younger brother is Darryl Marcus LeVert, a former college basketball player who attended Connors State College and Mott Community College.
How old is Caris LeVert’s brother?
Darryl Marcus LeVert is approximately 11 months younger than Caris, who was born on August 25, 1994.
Does Caris LeVert have a sister?
No sister has been identified in his official basketball biographies. His only publicly confirmed sibling is his younger brother, Darryl Marcus.
Is Caris LeVert related to Eddie LeVert?
Yes. Caris LeVert is a third cousin of Eddie LeVert, the legendary lead singer of the R&B group The O’Jays.
Is Caris LeVert related to Gerald LeVert?
Yes. Caris LeVert belongs to the extended family of singer Gerald LeVert, whose father, Eddie LeVert, is Caris’s third cousin.
Where is Caris LeVert’s family from?
Caris LeVert was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in the Pickerington area. His parents raised him and his younger brother in Ohio.
What is Caris LeVert’s full name?
His full name is Caris Coleman LeVert.
How old is Caris LeVert?
Caris LeVert was born on August 25, 1994, making him 32 years old as of October 2026.
What college did Caris LeVert attend?
Caris LeVert attended the University of Michigan, where he played basketball for the Wolverines from 2012 to 2016.
What NBA team does Caris LeVert play for?
Caris LeVert plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. He joined the team in July 2026 following a trade from the Detroit Pistons.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
