The New York Knicks are heading to the White House — and with them, they’re ending one of the most prolonged cold wars in American sports.
Knicks owner James Dolan confirmed Wednesday that the team has accepted an invitation from President Trump to celebrate their NBA championship, making them the first NBA champions to visit the White House during either of Mr. Trump’s terms in office.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Mr. Dolan said on WFAN New York. “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.”
The drought stretches back to 2017, when Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry publicly said he had no interest in visiting. Mr. Trump promptly withdrew the invitation on social media, setting off a firestorm that included LeBron James calling the president a “bum.” Four more champions during Mr. Trump’s first term followed the Warriors’ lead.
Three teams — the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics — did visit during President Biden’s tenure. But when Mr. Trump returned to office, the Oklahoma City Thunder declined, citing scheduling conflicts.
Mr. Dolan, a longtime Trump supporter and donor, sat alongside the president at Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 8. Visit details have not yet been finalized.
Not every Knick may share Mr. Dolan’s enthusiasm. Forward Josh Hart posted a message using a derogatory term to describe Trump following the 2020 election.
Read more:
• Knicks set to be first NBA team to visit White House under Trump
• Knicks to become first NBA champion to visit Trump White House, Dolan says
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