Walter Clayton Jr., the rising basketball star for the Utah Jazz, is already making waves in the basketball world, but his personal life is just as noteworthy. The baby mama to his daughter, Leilani Leigh Clayton, is Tatiyana Burney, his longtime partner and the mother of their child.
Although Walter has not yet played an official NBA game, having been drafted in the 2025 NBA Draft and traded to the Utah Jazz, his promising future and dedication to his family are what make his story truly inspiring.
From High School Sweethearts To Lifelong Partners
Walter and Tatiyana’s relationship began in Lake Wales, Florida, during their high school years.
Their bond grew stronger through the years, and even as Walter’s basketball career started to take off, Tatiyana was always there to support him.
In 2023, Tatiyana decided to move to Gainesville, Florida, to be closer to Walter as he finished his final season at Florida. It was a pivotal move for their relationship, showing their mutual dedication to building a life together.
In December 2023, Walter and Tatiyana welcomed their first child, Leilani Leigh Clayton. Walter has spoken about how fatherhood has given him a new sense of purpose. Having a daughter has become his driving force, both on and off the court.
Tatiyana, too, embraced motherhood, calling Leilani her “mini me” and dedicating her time to raising their daughter while supporting Walter’s career in basketball.
Juggling Basketball And Family Life
Although Walter Clayton Jr. has not yet played in any official NBA games, he’s already had a standout career in college basketball, earning accolades like Consensus First-Team All-American and Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 2025.
He was drafted in the first round (18th overall) of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, but his rights were traded to the Utah Jazz. The 2025-26 NBA season has yet to begin, so he has not yet had the chance to log any NBA games.
Despite this, Walter has made it clear that family comes first. After the birth of Leilani, Walter took paternity leave to support Tatiyana and be present for the birth of their daughter.
This gesture shows his unwavering commitment to being a father, no matter how demanding his future NBA career may be.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Walter Clayton Jr. was drafted 18th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, with his rights traded to the Utah Jazz.
- He had an outstanding college career at Iona and Florida, earning multiple honors, including Consensus First-Team All-American and Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 2025.
- The Utah Jazz will begin their 2025–26 preseason with an away game against the Houston Rockets on October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM PDT.
