Knicks haven’t – Jalen Brunson pushed back on the Knicks’ reported White House plans, saying the team “haven’t discussed it” yet. Team owner James Dolan previously said he had accepted an invitation to bring the Knicks, while Donald Trump appeared with Dolan during Game 3 agai
Jalen Brunson met the White House talk with a blunt, almost weary restraint—less than a promise, more a reminder that the Knicks haven’t even started the conversation.
In an article posted Wednesday, Brunson said, “We haven’t discussed it.” Then he added, “But as a team, we’ll discuss it and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
It’s a striking posture in the middle of a season of political noise. especially because the invitation story already has a public footprint. James Dolan. the Knicks’ owner. said on a sports radio show last week that the team had accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump. “We just received an invitation which we’ve accepted, still have to figure out the details,” Dolan said. He also framed it personally. adding. “I’ve known the president 30 years. and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”.
The timing has added fuel. Trump joined Dolan at Game 3 of the Knicks’ series against the San Antonio Spurs—Game 3 being the Knicks’ only loss in that run. When Trump appeared, he was met with lusty boos. He also appeared to fall asleep.
Brunson’s comments land right on top of a key detail: no one has formally said what. exactly. the Knicks would discuss—or whether the players have any say before a decision becomes public. Brunson’s language was clear about where the team stands right now: they haven’t had that team-level discussion yet.
There’s also the political history around NBA teams and White House visits during different administrations. No NBA championship team has visited the White House during Trump’s time in office. The Golden State Warriors made their political objections clear on two occasions. During Joe Biden’s presidency, three teams visited the White House.
For Knicks players, that broader track record isn’t abstract. One possible opponent to any Trump visit could be guard Josh Hart. After the 2020 election, Hart wrote on X, “YESSIR!!!!. GET TRUMP’S DUMBASS OUT THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!” It wasn’t the first time Hart had used the same kind of language for Trump. having called him a “DUMBASS” earlier as well.
The immediate question for the Knicks now isn’t whether an invitation exists—it’s what happens after it’s accepted. and whether the players who would go have the space to decide what they’re willing to endorse. Brunson’s message suggests that, at least for the moment, the decision hasn’t been made behind closed doors. The team will “cross that bridge” later, once they actually talk.
Jalen Brunson James Dolan New York Knicks White House visit Donald Trump Josh Hart Joe Biden Golden State Warriors San Antonio Spurs NBA politics
So Dolan already “accepted” but Brunson says they haven’t discussed it… sounds like typical politics, just say less.
Brunson sounds annoyed, like leave them alone. Also why is Trump even there at all during basketball games, I mean c’mon.
I’m confused though, didn’t the Knicks already go? Like I swear I saw something about a White House thing. Maybe it was a different team? Either way, players should just speak up, but I don’t think they will.
Dolan saying he’s known Trump 30 years makes this whole thing feel gross and personal, not “sports.” And the Game 3 timing like right after, with the boos, I mean come on. If Josh Hart is out here saying wild stuff on X then they’re definitely not gonna like the “cross that bridge when we get to it” line, lol.