Irving: I hope to represent Australia in the Olympics, but I need to deal with a lot of paperwork

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving recently revealed that he is trying out for Team Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Irving, 32, was born in Melbourne, Australia, and moved to the United States with his parents when he was two years old. He represented the US men's basketball team to win gold medals in the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, and was selected for the 41-man candidate list for the 2024 Olympic team.

Now, Irving intends to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He holds dual citizenship of the United States and Australia, but his transfer still needs to be approved by the United States Men's Basketball Team, the Australian Basketball Association (ABA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). If he successfully joins the Australian men's basketball team, Irving is expected to play alongside NBA players such as Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Bulls guard Josh Giddy, and Trail Blazers center Dupree Reese.

"I'm trying to figure out the best way to qualify," Irving told reporters after the All-Star Game. "There's a lot of paperwork involved."

"Obviously, the U.S. still has to make a decision. But for me, I just want to do what's best for me. And frankly, it would be great if I could be an Australian player and represent them at some point in my career."

"If it were up to me, I would choose to play for the 'World Team' right now, purely for the competition. However, I will always stand with my brothers in Team USA, and we have a great history together."

"I appreciate the duality of my identity. I grew up in the United States but was born in Australia and I also represent international players."