Former NBA star Matt Barnes has officially embarked on a new chapter in his life—matrimony. He tied the knot with Anansa Sims, a multifaceted model and entrepreneur, in an intimate ceremony that was confirmed by ESSENCE this week. Although neither party has made a formal announcement, social media has played a pivotal role in sharing their joyous occasion.
Images from their wedding surfaced on Instagram, showcasing the happy couple along with their 7-year-old son, Ashton. In the snapshots, Sims dazzled in a stunning white wedding gown while Barnes looked dapper in a classic tuxedo. Behind them, a grand wedding cake added to the festive atmosphere. A poignant moment captured in one of the photos features Barnes and Sims embracing and sharing a kiss, emphasizing their deep emotional connection during this special time.
However, the road to this celebration of love was not entirely smooth. The couple previously faced significant turbulence in their relationship, which had garnered considerable media attention. Last February, Sims made headlines when she ended their engagement, citing infidelity on Barnes’ part. She alleged that he had cheated with multiple women in January alone, leading to an emotionally charged fallout. During an episode of his podcast “All The Smoke,” Barnes opened up about the loss of his family and expressed deep regret over his actions. He candidly acknowledged not having been emotionally available in past relationships, referring to himself as “a wall” that could not communicate his feelings.
Sims, however, didn’t take Barnes’ revelations lightly. She took to social media, calling for him to share the complete truth about their relationship and demanding accountability. This public back-and-forth highlighted the complexities of their bond, filled with emotions as raw as they were real.
Signs of reconciliation between Barnes and Sims began to emerge during the holiday season, as they shared a heartwarming Christmas post featuring their blended family. Together, they share two sons—Ashton Joseph Barnes, born in 2018, and Austin Matthew Barnes, born in 2024. Both also have children from previous relationships, which exemplifies their commitment to building a unified family. Barnes has twin sons, Carter and Isaiah, aged 17, from his earlier marriage to Gloria Govan. In contrast, Sims has a daughter, Ava Brielle Patterson, 14, along with two sons, David III, 13, and Dean, 11, from her previous marriage to David Patterson Jr.
Not long after, Barnes further demonstrated his affection for Sims on social media, celebrating her birthday with a heartfelt post. “H•A•P•P•Y Birthday Beautiful ❤️,” he wrote, reflecting the deep affection that this couple seems to have rediscovered.
Their journey together began in the ’90s when both were students at UCLA. They initially started dating after reconnecting in 2018 but soon faced one of the more tumultuous breakups seen in the media, culminating in Sims filing a restraining order against Barnes. Yet, after a rocky period, they managed to reconcile in 2021, culminating in an engagement by Christmas 2022. Their relationship is now part of a reality television show titled “The Barnes Bunch,” which offers a glimpse into their life as a blended family, further highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with it.
The new year brings promising new beginnings for Barnes and Sims as they step into this exciting new phase of their relationship, filled with love, family, and healing.