Jamal Murray has rapidly risen to be among the most dynamic and forceful NBA guards. Having been signed by the Denver Nuggets in 2016, he has given remarkable performances most famously in the 2020 NBA Bubble and the 2023 NBA Championship run. As his popularity and ability grew, people naturally started to wonder about the man behind the game—and even more about the woman behind the man.
So, who exactly is Jamal Murray’s girlfriend? Let’s dive into what we know about Harper Hempel, their relationship, and how they navigate life under the spotlight while fiercely guarding their privacy.
Who is Jamal Murray’s Girlfriend?
Jamal Murray has been in a long-term relationship with Harper Hempel, a name that may not ring as loudly in the tabloids—but that’s by design. Unlike many partners of high-profile athletes, Harper prefers to keep a low profile. The couple keeps the specifics of their relationship secret, makes few public appearances together, and seldom shares anything about one another online.
And yet, the interest persists. Harper has become a topic of intrigue for NBA fans and social media users alike, especially after a few headline-making moments over the years.
Background of Harper Hempel
Harper Hempel was born in Kentucky and has strong ties to the state that shaped her early life. She attended the University of Kentucky, where she not only earned her degree but also made a name for herself on the volleyball court.
As a Division I volleyball player, Harper played as a defensive specialist and setter for the Kentucky Wildcats. Her competitive spirit and athletic background created a common bond with Jamal Murray, who was also a student-athlete at the University of Kentucky at the time.
Harper majored in Marketing and Digital Media, two fields that would later lay the groundwork for her career in the business and creative world. Her studies gave her the skills to build a brand—both for clients and herself.
Professional Career
After graduating, Harper carved out her own professional path. She didn’t ride on Jamal’s popularity or attempt to launch a career from his stage. Rather, she gave her hobbies top attention.
Harper has worked as a social media manager, helping companies build their online presence with authentic, targeted content. Her taste in design and branding drove her to take more serious interest in photography.
She has worked with companies with reputation for creative digital marketing, like The Cold Life and Fact & Fiction. She operates Harper Hempel Photography in parallel providing portrait, fashion, and lifestyle photography services. Her business has grown steadily, fueled by word-of-mouth and a clean, professional aesthetic.
Relationship Timeline
The couple met while attending the University of Kentucky. Their connection started during their college years—Murray playing basketball, Harper playing volleyball. It didn’t take long for them to become a steady couple.
They’ve reportedly been together since around 2015 or 2016, which means their relationship has spanned Murray’s entire NBA career. Through the highs of playoff wins and the lows of injuries, Harper has stayed by his side—quietly, but powerfully.
From day one, they’ve been intentional about keeping their relationship out of the media circus. They don’t attend many red-carpet events together, and their social media accounts rarely feature each other. In today’s influencer-heavy culture, that level of privacy is refreshing—and rare.
What happened to Jamal Murray’s Instagram story?
In March 2020, a private video was accidentally shared on Jamal Murray’s Instagram account. The clip, which briefly went viral before being deleted, appeared to feature an intimate moment between Jamal and Harper. Both of their names instantly trended across social platforms.
Following the incident, both Jamal and Harper deactivated their social media accounts temporarily. Harper, in particular, was thrust into a level of public attention she’d never experienced—and clearly didn’t want. Over time, they reactivated their profiles and moved forward, but the experience only reinforced their desire to maintain boundaries between their public and private lives.
Public and Media Attention
As Jamal Murray’s performance soared—especially during the 2020 playoffs and the Nuggets’ 2023 championship win—so did public interest in his personal life. Who is his girlfriend? Is he married? Why don’t we see them together? The curiosity is understandable, especially when many other NBA couples share the spotlight. But Jamal and Harper have taken a different path.
Outside of the 2020 social media incident, there hasn’t been much tabloid buzz. That’s not due to a lack of interest—it’s because the couple doesn’t feed it. Most reports are respectful, offering admiration for how they’ve stayed grounded.
The Couple’s Ongoing Relationship as of 2025
As of 2025, Harper Hempel and Jamal Murray are still together. While they may not flaunt their love story online, those close to them confirm they remain committed and supportive of each other.
Their relationship is a masterclass in protecting what matters most. They choose their peace over publicity, and that has arguably made their bond stronger over time. While they don’t hide from the world, they certainly don’t owe it explanations either.
Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel have shown that it’s possible to keep love private—even in the age of viral videos and constant media scrutiny. Their relationship has faced challenges, including public controversies and the intense demands of an NBA career, but they’ve handled it all with quiet strength and grace.
For fans, it’s tempting to want a closer look. But for Harper and Jamal, staying grounded and respecting each other’s privacy is what really keeps the relationship alive.