In June 2022, reports linked Dell Curry with a woman named Nicki Smith and Sonya Curry with Steven Johnson, whom MEAWW described as Smith’s former husband. That connection was reported, not independently confirmed by the sources available here, and the “partner swap” interpretation was online speculation. Dell later confirmed that he had remarried to a woman named Nicki, but did not give her surname.
What the 2022 reports said
MEAWW reported in June 2022 that Dell Curry had been seen with Nicki Smith and Sonya Curry with Steven Johnson at the NBA Finals. The outlet also described Smith and Johnson as formerly married, citing an earlier New York Post report and social-media discussion. Those reports created speculation that the former spouses had paired off with each other’s new partners. The available sources do not independently verify the reported marriage between Smith and Johnson or establish that the pairings were intended as a “swap.” MEAWW’s June 14, 2022 report is the source for those claims.
What Dell and Sonya said in the divorce filings
The reports about new relationships followed a contested divorce. TMZ reported that Sonya filed for divorce in North Carolina in June 2021, citing Dell’s “marital misconduct.” In its coverage of the filings, TMZ described opposing accounts of when Sonya’s relationship with Johnson began. TMZ’s August 25, 2021 account reported both sides’ positions.
Dell’s allegation
As quoted by TMZ, Dell’s filing alleged that Sonya “began her extramarital affair with Mr. Johnson during the marriage and prior to the date of separation.” That was an allegation in a divorce filing, not a finding established by the cited coverage.
#1 Best Overall
- Wilson NCAA Final Four Basketball - Size 7 - 29.5", Brown
- Deep Channels: Deeper channels between the panels of the ball allow for more grip points and better ball control when dribbling and shooting.
- Composite Leather: Composite leather provides a consistent texture facilitating better grip and ball control.
- High Definition Pebble - Improved Grip
- Premium Carcass Construction - Excellent rebound and durability
Sonya’s response
TMZ reported that Sonya acknowledged a dating relationship with Johnson but said it began months after she and Dell agreed to legally separate in March 2020. She denied cheating and denied living with Johnson. TMZ had also reported the parties’ competing claims in its August 24, 2021 report. The accounts differ; the cited reports do not resolve which timeline is accurate.
What Dell later confirmed about his wife
In an interview with the Charlotte Observer published October 18, 2023, and updated May 28, 2024, Dell said he had remarried. Discussing how he met his wife, he said: “And then I had friends who introduced me to my wife now. I’d met her a couple of times. We talked on the phone for a month before I laid eyes on her.” Asked her name, he answered, “Nicki.” The interview confirms his remarriage and his wife’s first name, but does not provide a surname or identify her as Nicki Smith. Read the Charlotte Observer interview.
Rank #2
- OFFICIAL SIZE BALL: The AND1 Fantom full size basketball is regulation size 7 (29.5”) and weight with easy to palm grip.
- BRIGHTEN UP YOUR GAME ANYWHERE: The colorful indoor outdoor basketball is designed to play anywhere. You can easily hustle on concrete or hardwood floors.
- DEEP CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION: The AND1 Fantom grip basketball has advanced deep channel construction that improves ball grip and control for dribbling and shooting, perfect for players.
- DURABILITY: This rubber basketball is made from high quality rubber material, AND1 basketball street ball is built to last and withstand wear and tear.
- COMES DEFLATED: Every 29.5 basketball comes deflated. Quickly inflate it using a needle pump. A pump is NOT included.
What remains unconfirmed
The reports support a narrow conclusion: Dell was reported with Nicki Smith in 2022, Sonya was reported with Steven Johnson, and Dell later said he had remarried to a woman named Nicki. They do not establish that Dell’s wife is Nicki Smith, verify the reported former marriage between Smith and Johnson through direct comment or primary records, or establish Sonya and Johnson’s current relationship status. Claims about the divorce timeline should likewise remain attributed to the respective filings and parties.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5"
Rank #4
- OFFICIAL SIZE BALL: The AND1 Chaos rubber ball is regulation size 7 (29. 5”) and weight with easy to palm grip
- BRIGHTEN UP YOUR GAME ANYWHERE: The colorful indoor outdoor basketball is designed to play anywhere. You can easily hustle on concrete or hardwood floors.
- DEEP CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION: The AND1 Chaos basketball has advanced deep channel construction that improves ball grip and control for dribbling and shooting, perfect for youth players.
- DURABILITY: This rubber basketball is made from high quality rubber material, AND1 basketball street ball is built to last and withstand wear and tear.
- COMES DEFLATED: Every 29.5 basketball comes deflated. Quickly inflate it using a needle pump. A pump is NOT included.
Rank #3
- PLAY ON ANY SURFACE: Our pro-style basketball, with rubber composite cover, is designed to be used on indoor or outdoor courts. Suitable anywhere with a hoop and a net, this basketball for adults and youth will help you win the game
- ENSURES TRUE BOUNCE AND FLIGHT: This indoor/outdoor basketball, with a 2-Ply butyl bladder for superior air retention, is ideally balanced to give you a perfect bounce-pass every time
- HOLDS UP OVER TIME: These heavy-duty basketballs with composition rubber covers stand up to frequent use on pavement or indoor courts. Great for pick-up games or league play, this ball can take a beating on the backboards and up and down the court
- VARIOUS COLORS AND SIZES AVAILABLE: Our rubber basketballs come in multiple colors and sizes, suitable for children just being introduced to the sport up to experienced adults.
- PUMP IT UP: We provide the gear, you provide the air. Ball is shipped deflated – inflate to your own preference. Pump sold separately
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
