Former Sydney Kings captain Shane Heal was seeking a return to the world's elite basketball competition, the American NBA, it was reported.

The Sydney Morning Herald said Heal, 33, was expected to head to Texas to try out with the reigning NBA champions, the San Antonio Spurs.

The season begins in four weeks.

Heal previously played 43 games off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves beginning in 1996-97 before a calf injury forced him home early in the next season.

Only three other Australians have played in the NBA; Luc Longley, Mark Bradtke and Andrew Gaze.

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