An amazing thing happened at the University of Washington Medical Center on Friday. Doctors took a kidney from Shane’s body—the preferred left kidney, to be precise—and transplanted it into Nate Robinson, the Washington Huskies legend whose struggle with kidney failure has been well documented.

Former NBA star Nate Robinson received a kidney transplant nearly 20 years after he was diagnosed with kidney disease. Robinson announced that was scheduled to have the procedure later that day in a Feb. 7 Instagram post.

Robinson, who played for the Celtics from 2010 to 2011, has been dealing with kidney issues for decades now, with the issue coming to a head in 2021.

Robinson revealed a kidney failure diagnosis in 2022. In April 2024, his renal failure had advanced to the point where he would soon be facing death if he didn't receive a kidney transplant. Last week, Robinson underwent a successful kidney transplant.

Nate Robinson literally made a friend for life in a Northwest man named Shane Cleveland, a Husky fan who on Friday donated a kidney to the former NBA standout and the legendary University of Washington athlete.

Former University of Washington and NBA guard Nate Robinson is recovering after undergoing a successful kidney transplant last week..

Nate Robinson, one of the more extraordinary and electrifying athletes to come through Seattle and the University of Washington yet dealing with kidney failure

Born in Seattle in 1984, Robinson would play college basketball with the UW and be the 21st pick in the 2005 NBA draft.

Ex-NBA guard Nate Robinson had a successful kidney transplant Friday at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

Former Celtics guard Nate Robinson had a successful kidney transplant Friday in Washington. Read more on Boston.com.