New York Knicks accept Trump’s White House invite after NBA Finals win

New York Knicks owner James Dolan announced on Wednesday that the team accepted President Donald Trump‘s invitation for a historic visit to the White House after winning their first NBA championship since 1973 last week.

Dolan, who sat with Trump at Game 3 of the NBA Finals, revealed the team accepted the president’s invitation during an appearance on WFAN New York. The development marks the first time an NBA championship team has gone to the White House during a Trump term, as the previous five NBA champions crowned during his two administrations declined to visit, starting in 2017. 

“We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course,” the coach said. “He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years, and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”

Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he watched the Knicks play the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden earlier this month. The game turned out to be the only loss in the series for the Knicks, who later went on to win it 4-1, defeating the Spurs to secure their first title in over five decades.

“I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said on June 4. “He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing.”

KNICKS’ CHAMPIONSHIP MVP DOES IT THE RIGHT WAY

The White House previously pushed back on rumors that the Knicks turned down the White House invitation after winning the NBA championship.

“This is fake news,” a White House official told Vanity Fair. “The White House congratulates the Knicks on their championship win and looks forward to discussing a visit in the near future.”