Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 17
Knicks Accept Trump White House Invite, Becoming First NBA Champion to Visit in 9 Years
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 17

Knicks Accept Trump White House Invite, Becoming First NBA Champion to Visit in 9 Years

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 17

Summary

  • James Dolan said the Knicks have accepted a White House invitation from President Donald Trump, with details still being worked out after New York's NBA title.
  • Dolan told WFAN he invited Trump to Game 3 of the Finals and called the president a friend of 30 years, saying he was proud to bring the team.
  • The decision could divide the roster politically; Josh Hart posted a derogatory message about Trump after Joe Biden's 2020 election win.
  • Five NBA champions crowned during Trump's presidencies had previously skipped White House visits, starting with the 2017 Warriors after Trump withdrew Stephen Curry's invitation.
  • The Knicks' acceptance would end a years-long standoff between the league and Trump-era White House tradition, with the team's championship parade set for 10 a.m. Thursday.

Insights

With player opinions divided, can a championship team's White House visit ever truly be a symbol of unity?
After a 53-year title drought, does the celebration's location risk overshadowing the team's historic athletic achievement?