LeBron on debut hype: ‘First step of long journey’

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has spent his national team duty as part of Team USA to this point in his career. However, Irving is in process of trying to make the switch to represent Australia on the national level.

“Man, we’re in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out the best route for me to be eligible,” Irving said of switching to play for Australia. “There’s a lot of paperwork involved. Obviously, USA (Basketball) still has a decision to make, but for me, I’m just trying to do what’s best. Honestly, if I can be an Aussie at one point in my career and play for the Australian team, that would be great.”

Irving was born in Australia, which would have made him eligible to represent the country on the national team level. The All-Star guard explained that in the past he was encouraged to play for Team USA instead, which he did at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Now, if Irving can get the clearances, he’d like to suit up for Australia in future competition.

The Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers have been mentioned as possible landing spots for D’Angelo Russell, sources told Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported earlier this month that the Timberwolves were shopping Russell, mentioning Mike Conley as a potential target.

Russell is currently in the final year of a four-year, $117 million deal.