Donovan Mitchell, the dynamic NBA star known as "Spida," has captivated fans not only with his electrifying performances on the court but also with his publicly documented romantic life. From early relationships challenged by distance to a recent high-profile engagement, Mitchell's love story has unfolded in the public eye, showcasing different chapters of his personal growth alongside his burgeoning career.
Mitchell's romantic journey first gained public attention with his relationship with Deja Lighty. The couple began dating around 2017, the same year Mitchell was drafted into the NBA by the Utah Jazz. Lighty, the daughter of late music executive Chris Lighty, was an account executive for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time, creating a significant long-distance dynamic between Salt Lake City and Cleveland.
Their relationship, though private at times, was publicly acknowledged through social media posts where Mitchell affectionately referred to Lighty as his "partner in crime." Lighty often showed support for Mitchell, attending his games and cheering him on. However, the geographical distance and the demands of their respective careers ultimately proved challenging. Reports indicate that Mitchell and Lighty split in the fall of 2019, with many speculating that the long-distance nature of their relationship was a primary factor in their amicable separation.
Following his relationship with Lighty, Mitchell was later linked to Tinara Westbrook. Their relationship became public in September 2022, when both Mitchell and Westbrook shared photos together on social media, confirming their romance. Westbrook, an entrepreneur and CEO of Anna Santana Hair Care Company, brought a new dynamic to Mitchell's public dating life.
During their time together, Westbrook was often seen supporting Mitchell at his games, and their relationship appeared to be a significant part of his life as he transitioned to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, public posts featuring the couple became less frequent by early 2023. While neither Mitchell nor Westbrook officially confirmed a breakup, their social media activity suggested that they had parted ways, leading to widespread speculation of a split by the spring of 2023.
Most recently, Donovan Mitchell's romantic life has taken a significant turn with his relationship with Grammy-winning R&B singer Coco Jones. Rumors of their romance began circulating in late 2024, fueled by public sightings, including an appearance together at an Usher concert and Michael Rubin's Fourth of July party. The couple initially kept their relationship private, with Jones stating in interviews that she preferred to protect her personal life.
Jones officially confirmed their relationship in a March 2025 interview on Club Shay Shay, expressing her happiness with Mitchell. Their relationship quickly blossomed, becoming more public with joint appearances and social media posts. The couple's connection resonated with fans, who celebrated their seemingly perfect match.
In a significant milestone, Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones announced their engagement in July 2025. The news was confirmed through a joint statement to PEOPLE magazine, revealing that Mitchell proposed during a vacation after his NBA season and Jones's sold-out tour. This engagement marks a new and exciting chapter in Mitchell's romantic history, culminating in a high-profile union with a fellow public figure.
Throughout his career, Mitchell has navigated the complexities of high-profile relationships, balancing personal connections with the demands of professional sports. His journey reflects a progression from private long-distance dating to a publicly celebrated engagement, showcasing his evolving approach to love and partnership in the spotlight. His romantic history, marked by significant relationships with Deja Lighty, Tinara Westbrook, and now Coco Jones, continues to be a topic of interest for fans, mirroring the narrative of his successful career on the basketball court.