NBA superstar Kyrie Irving has declared he wants to play for Australia.
Irving, a nine-time NBA All-Star, was born in Melbourne while his dad Drederick was playing for the Bulleen Boomers.
The Dallas Mavericks guard was part of the United States team that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
But Irving has made it clear he now wants to switch camps and join the Boomers, revealing to reporters at the All-Star event in San Francisco that the ball is already rolling.
"We're in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out the best route for me to be eligible," Irving said.
"There's a lot of paperwork in between that. Obviously, Team USA still has a decision to make.
"I'm just trying to do what's best for me. Honestly, if I can be an Aussie at one point in my career and play for the Australian team, that would be great."
Basketball Australia, USA Basketball and governing body FIBA would all need to sign off on the move.
Gaining access to a player like Irving, who in 2023 signed a three-year deal with the Mavs worth $US126 million, would be a huge bonus for the Boomers.
Irving will be 36 years old when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympics, with young guns Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey likely to be entering their prime at that tournament.
Irving, the No.1 pick in the 2011 draft, won the 2016 NBA title alongside Australian Matthew Dellavedova at Cleveland.
