Former NBA player Kent Bazemore and his wife, Samantha Serpe, have made headlines due to their recent and highly publicized divorce. After a five-year marriage, Serpe filed for divorce, revealing personal struggles and the impact of the NBA player’s constantly shifting career. As the couple works through the complexities of their separation, the legal proceedings and custody battle over their two young children have attracted public attention.
The End of a Five-Year Marriage
Samantha Serpe officially filed for divorce from Kent Bazemore in January, citing that their marriage was “irretrievably broken” with “no chance of reconciliation.” Court documents
confirmed that the couple had already separated as of November 23, 2022, marking the end of their five-year relationship. Their split, which has sparked widespread media coverage, has also raised questions about the toll of professional sports careers on personal relationships.
Bazemore and Serpe share two children together: a 4-year-old son named Jett and a 2-year-old daughter, Nixon. Their two young children have become a focal point in the divorce proceedings, as both parents have made custody requests.
Custody Battle and Legal Proceedings
In her filing, Serpe requested joint legal custody of their children while asking for primary physical custody. This arrangement would allow Bazemore visitation rights, but it emphasizes
Serpe’s desire to maintain the majority of physical custody. Kent Bazemore, on the other hand, filed a response in March, requesting that the court decide on primary physical custody—a move that signals a potential custody battle.
While both parties agree on joint legal custody, it is evident that physical custody of their children remains a contested issue. Additionally, both Bazemore and Serpe signed a prenuptial agreement before their 2017 wedding, and they have asked the court to uphold the agreement during their divorce proceedings. Bazemore has also requested that Serpe cover legal fees, although he has agreed to pay child support.
Mediation and Ongoing Disputes
Despite what seemed like a standard divorce filing, the separation between Bazemore and Serpe has not been without tension. The estranged couple has been ordered to attend
mediation to resolve their disputes amicably. Their first mediation session was scheduled for May 4, but details about its outcome have not been publicly disclosed. It’s clear, however, that both parties are prepared for a potentially drawn-out legal battle.
Another indication of the estranged nature of their relationship is found on social media. Samantha Serpe appears to have blocked Kent Bazemore from her Instagram account. While older photos of the couple remain on her feed, his tags have been removed, signaling a digital separation that mirrors their real-life split.
Bazemore’s NBA Career and Personal Struggles
Kent Bazemore’s NBA career has taken him across the country. After going undrafted in 2012, Bazemore played for various teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Lakers. His most notable contract came in 2016 when he signed a four-year, $70
million deal with the Hawks. However, after completing that contract, Bazemore spent years bouncing between teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings, often signing one-year contracts.
Bazemore himself acknowledged that the constant relocations placed a strain on his marriage. In a 2021 interview with Mercury News, Bazemore admitted that his wife, Samantha, was “tired
of bouncing around” due to the nature of his career. He expressed understanding of her frustration, explaining that she had “let him off the hook a couple times” but that it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to cope with the instability that came with his NBA lifestyle.
Since his last game in April 2022, Bazemore has not returned to the NBA, which may further complicate his future financial stability and the divorce proceedings.
The Impact of a Prenuptial Agreement
One key element in Bazemore and Serpe’s divorce is the prenuptial agreement they signed before their 2017 wedding. Prenuptial agreements often establish how assets and finances will be divided in the event of a divorce, and both Bazemore and Serpe have requested that the court honor the agreement.
While the contents of their prenup have not been made public, it is likely that it will play a significant role in determining how their assets are divided. Given Bazemore’s substantial earnings during his NBA career, including his $70 million deal with the Hawks, the financial aspects of this divorce could become complex.
Conclusion
Kent Bazemore and Samantha Serpe’s divorce highlights the personal challenges that can arise from professional sports careers. With a custody battle, prenuptial agreement, and legal disputes in the mix, the couple’s separation is far from simple. As they navigate mediation and
potential court battles, the outcome will likely have lasting effects on their family and their future. The story of Kent Bazemore and Samantha Serpe serves as a reminder of the complex balance between career success and personal happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Samantha Serpe file for divorce from Kent Bazemore?
Samantha Serpe filed for divorce in January, stating that their marriage was “irretrievably broken” with no possibility of reconciliation. The couple had been separated since November 2022, and the divorce is likely linked to personal strains, including the challenges of Bazemore’s NBA career.
2. What custody arrangements are being sought by Bazemore and Serpe?
Serpe is asking for joint legal custody with primary physical custody of their two children. Kent Bazemore has requested that the court decide primary physical custody, signaling a potential dispute over who will have the most time with their children.
3. Is there a prenuptial agreement in place?
Yes, Bazemore and Serpe signed a prenuptial agreement before their marriage in 2017. Both parties have asked the court to uphold this agreement during their divorce proceedings.
4. How has Bazemore’s NBA career impacted his marriage?
Bazemore’s constant relocations due to his NBA career have placed a strain on his marriage. In a 2021 interview, he mentioned that his wife was growing tired of the instability that came with his career, which involved moving between various teams.
5. What is the current status of the divorce proceedings?
As of now, the couple has been ordered to attend mediation to resolve their disputes. The first session was scheduled for May 4, but it is unclear how the mediation has progressed. Both Bazemore and Serpe are preparing for what could be a contentious divorce process.
