New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown confirmed the reigning NBA champions are still internally debating whether to visit the White House and meet President Donald Trump. The team, which won its first title in 53 years last June, has been invited but has not yet made a collective decision.
Mike Brown told reporters the organization is still discussing the potential visit. "No, it's still something that our guys, or the organization, is internally discussing," Brown said. "Whatever we decide to do, we'll all do together."
The tradition of NBA champions visiting the White House has been paused since Donald Trump took office. No team has made the trip during his presidency. Owner James Dolan, a longtime friend of Trump, initially hinted the Knicks might revive the custom after the president attended Game 3 of the Finals at Madison Square Garden.
A visit would mark a major shift. The league collectively stepped away from this tradition starting in 2017. Stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James publicly dismissed the idea of attending during Trump's first term. The Oklahoma City Thunder also did not visit last year.
If the Knicks go, they would be the first NBA team to visit the Trump White House. The team has two scheduled games in Washington, D.C., against the Wizards on December 18 and March 16, which could provide a natural opportunity for a visit.
Mike Brown led the Knicks to a historic championship in his very first year with the team. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, claiming the franchise's first title since 1973. The team's recent performance has been dominant.
Trump attended Game 3 at the Garden, which was the only game the Knicks lost in the series. They famously rallied from a 29-point deficit to win Game 4 at home. Brown, a two-time Coach of the Year, finally won his first championship as a head coach after previously winning four as an assistant.
The immediate focus is on the upcoming season opener against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers. The White House decision remains unresolved, but the team's unity is clear. They will make the choice as a group.
On the court, the Knicks are riding high from their championship and a string of impressive victories.
