AceShowbiz - The New York Knicks have agreed to participate in the White House tradition of honoring NBA champions during Donald Trump’s presidency. The team accepted an invitation from President Trump to celebrate their NBA Championship at the White House, marking the first such visit under his administration.

Knicks owner James Dolan, a longtime friend of Donald Trump, personally invited the president to Game 3 of the NBA Finals held in New York City and accepted the White House invitation on behalf of the team. Trump, who has been a devoted Knicks fan, publicly congratulated the team on social media after their decisive Game 5 victory in San Antonio, praising key players including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson. While the visit date has yet to be scheduled, the Knicks are expected to be the first NBA team to make the White House visit during Trump’s term.

Donald Trump is widely known for his role as the host of Apprentice, The and has appeared in numerous films such as Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Little Rascals, and Zoolander. Beyond his entertainment career, Trump has maintained strong ties with New York sports, particularly the Knicks, amplified by his close relationship with Dolan, which spans over three decades.

This planned White House visit stands out amid a complex political backdrop, given the Knicks’ New York City base, where many fans lean liberal, contrasting with Trump’s political stance. Some players hold varying political views, leading to uncertainty about the full roster’s attendance. The visit also follows a tense moment during the NBA Finals when Trump’s image on the Madison Square Garden jumbotron was met with boos. Historically, NBA champions have received White House invitations, but no team had visited during Trump’s presidency until now, underscoring the significance of this event for both the team and the administration.