“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” said the NBA Champion New York Knicks owner James Dolan on WFAN this afternoon. Dolan also noted that “we still have to work out the details.”
The announcement is news because only two of the past 10 NBA Champions have visited 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who won last year, declined to visit President Trump due to a “timing issue.” The Boston Celtics were hosted by Joe Biden in June 2024 after their win. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors were also received by Biden. But the Lakers, the Nuggets the Raptors and the Warriors all declined to visit during Trump’s first term. Thus, the Knicks would be the first NBA Champions to be welcomed by Trump in either of his two terms in office.
Ironically, the only game the Knicks lost after the first round in their NBA Finals run was the one Trump attended at Madison Square Garden. He sat in a box next to Dolan, and was booed by fans.
“He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years. And I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House,” explained Dolan today.
While Dolan is enthusiastic, it’s unclear how the players feel about the trip. Earlier today, however, backup point guard José Alvarado was asked hypothetically about a White House visit.
His answer?
“I’m going wherever my teammates go.”
