The New York Knicks have a standing invitation to the White House, and Jalen Brunson is in no rush to spell out what comes next.
Knicks owner James Dolan confirmed last week that the team had accepted President Donald Trump’s invitation — the kind of trip that traditionally follows a championship. Brunson had been asked about the prospect hours earlier, before Dolan made it official.
Trump sat courtside to watch the Knicks during the Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, but the president has been missing during the World Cup unfolding on home soil. He has cleared his schedule for the NBA Champions, though.
Jalen Brunson on Knicks White House visit
Brunson fielded the question from reporter Tom Kludt before the invitation had been confirmed. He kept his answer brief.
Posted to X, Brunson said: “We haven’t discussed it. But as a team, we’ll discuss it and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Brunson’s 45-point performance in the Game 5 clincher is still fresh in the memory. The celebrations that followed threw New York into a frenzy, and a White House trip would be the next traditional stop for the new champions.
Trump has already shown his interest up close, watching the team from courtside during the Finals, but his waning popularity is shown in the record-low polling numbers. There are calls for the Knicks to skip the visit — it’s why the question was asked in the first place — though it looks unlikely to happen.
Brunson is saying nothing, anyway.
Donald Trump staying away from the World Cup
The president’s movements have drawn attention elsewhere, too. Trump has stayed away from the World Cup so far, with staff pointing to July 4th commitments, foreign travel and a crowded calendar.
The 80-year-old is still expected to present the trophy at the final at MetLife Stadium.
For now, the Knicks’ trip is a question for another day.
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