The New York Knicks are the reigning NBA champions after taking down the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. The team has now reassembled for training camp ahead of the upcoming season and is discussing whether to attend the White House, a tradition for champions in major sports that has become more complicated since Donald Trump was elected president.
Back in July, Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who averaged 32.6 points per game in the Finals and scored 45 points on the road in Game 5 to close out the series, addressed the situation.
“We haven’t discussed it,” Brunson said at the time. “But as a team, we’ll discuss it and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
On Tuesday, head coach Mike Brown announced that the organization has opened discussions on the matter; however, he confirmed that no final decision has been made.
“Mike Brown says Knick organization is still discussing making visit to White House as NBA champs this season,” Ian Begley of SNY reported on Tuesday. “He says that whatever Knicks decide, they will do it together.”
What does James Dolan want?
Interestingly, Knicks owner James Dolan, who is close friends with President Trump and invited Trump to attend Game 3 of the Finals, told WFAN 101.9 FM that his players accepted an invitation to the White House.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, but yes, of course. Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”
It remains to be seen if the players can go against their boss’s wishes if they decide they aren’t comfortable attending the White House.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.