Aaron Gordon, Zach LaVine Break Silence On Potential Return to NBA Dunk Contest After Ja Morant’s Challenge

Mac McClung is the new star dunker on the block, as he became the first-ever player to three-peat at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with his electrifying 2025 performance.

That status has made McClung a dunking legend in his own right, and it’s brought NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant to the spotlight as they voiced their interest in competing with McClung next year.

Morant, an All-NBA selection and two-time All-Star, also challenged two Dunk Contest legends, Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine. While the Denver Nuggets forward had previously said he would never return to the competition, both seem to be open to future All-Star Weekend festivities, which would make for one of the greatest competitions in the dunk contest’s storied history.

Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine Open To Returning to NBA Dunk Contest
Following McClung’s acrobatics that saw him beat Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis, San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, and Milwaukee Bucks sophomore Andre Jackson Jr, Morant wrote “mac might make me decide to dunk” on X.

MAC MCCLUNG ARE YOU KIDDING ⁉️🤯@Kia | #KiaK5 pic.twitter.com/NTNdB5l3gB

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2025

The Memphis Grizzlies guard also called out Gordon and LaVine for a return next year, and both seem to be up for the challenge.

zach & AG wassup 👀

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 16, 2025

LaVine, who controversially won his last and second straight title over Gordon in 2016, took to social media to respond.

“Thinking I might have too again….”

Thinking I might have too again…. https://t.co/LVnVyEGOwP

— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) February 16, 2025

Gordon again lost controversially in 2020 to Derrick Jones Jr. after getting “screwed” by judges and said he would never return to the All-Star Weekend. However, the 29-year-old seems eager to challenge McClung and is open to a return in 2026.

“I still got some sh*t,” he posted.

I still got some sh*t https://t.co/zsJhb7myex

— Aaron Gordon (@Double0AG) February 18, 2025

However, it remains to be seen if McClung will participate in next year’s event. After winning his third consecutive dunk contest, he was asked if he would be back to defend his crown, and he said he wasn’t sure.

“I never want to say never, but this one took a lot out of me,” he said

But if he does and the trio of LaVine, Gordon, and Morant also return, we could be up for the greatest NBA Dunk Contest the league has ever seen.

Meanwhile, LaVine is having a strong season, averaging 37.2 minutes per game in six contests with the Sacramento Kings, where he was just traded. He is averaging 21.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 43.1% from the floor. Gordon is getting 26.5 minutes per game with the Nuggets and averages 12.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 50.2% from the floor.

Both would be welcome additions to an All-Star Weekend that has lost its potency in recent years.