Shakira Is Getting ‘Progressively Closer’ to Jimmy Butler: He ‘Makes Her Feel Valued’

usmagazine.com:

Shakira’s romance with NBA star Jimmy Butler is heating up — and they’re both interested in seeing what the future brings.“They’ve been getting progressively closer over the past several weeks,” an insider exclusively tells Us Weekly of Shakira, 46, and Butler, 33. “Jimmy makes Shakira smile, and she’s really enjoying getting to know him on a deeper level.”The source adds that Shakira is intrigued by Butler because he’s “different from other men” she’s dated in the past. “She appreciates how he takes the lead in the relationship,” the insider tells Us. “He’s the one who makes plans with her, pursues her, and it makes her feel valued.”The duo are still taking it slow, but Shakira is “definitely open to seeing where things go” in the future. “It’s too early to tell if there’s long-term potential there,” the source continues.Shakira and Butler, who plays for the Miami Heat, first sparked romance rumors in May when the pop star attended one of his games and shared a video of herself cheering on the team.

Days later, Butler “liked” an Instagram video by Shakira that showed her singing and playing guitar.Two months later, the duo were spotted arriving together at London hotspot Novikov Restaurant & Bar. “They have been out a few times, but things are very new,” an insider told Us at the time. “She feels happy spending time with him.”Shakira’s new romance comes one year after she split from longtime partner Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares sons Milan, 10, and Sasha, 8.

The former couple were together for 12 years before their June 2022 split.Shortly before the breakup was announced, rumors swirled that Piqué, 36, was having an affair.