The tumor couldn’t be biopsied, and surgery was the only way to confirm if it was cancerous. So, on Dec. 18, 2023, Wade had a surgery to remove 40% of his kidney, a move that turned out to be life-saving.

Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade revealed Thursday that nearly half of one of his kidneys was removed in late 2023 after doctors found a tumor. The Chicago native shared the story of the “shocking” diagnosis and the emotional toll it took on him on the latest episode of his “The Why” podcast.