Knicks Stars Reportedly at Odds With Owner Dolan Over Potential White House Visit

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent sports commentator, has suggested a potential division between New York Knicks players and owner James Dolan concerning a possible visit to the White House during Donald Trump's presidency. Smith noted that while Trump and Dolan share a close relationship, some Knicks stars may be hesitant to visit.

The tradition of sporting champions visiting the White House has seen changes under Trump, with no NBA teams visiting during his first term or after his 2024 re-election. However, Trump and Dolan have been seen together, including at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Following the Knicks' championship win in June, Dolan indicated that an offer to visit the White House would be accepted.

Smith, speaking on ESPN's "First Take," shared that he has heard discussions around New York City suggesting players are feeling stressed due to Dolan's potential displeasure. "People have been a little bit stressed because the owner, James Dolan, has an attitude with players because they don't want to go to the White House," Smith stated. He added, "I don't know whether this is true or not, but I'll believe anything when it comes to James Dolan because he is a walking embodiment of petulance. This man is as petty as they come."

Smith speculated that Dolan's close ties to Trump might create friction if players do not wish to make the visit. "He's petty enough to have an attitude because he's tight with Trump and wants to go to the White House but some of the players, if not most of them, might not want to go," he said.

When asked about a White House visit in preseason, Knicks coach Mike Brown indicated that the decision was still being discussed internally. "No, it's still something that our guys, or the organization, is internally discussing and, you know, whatever we decide to do, we'll all do together," Brown stated.

Historically, the Boston Celtics were the first champion to visit in 1963, and President Barack Obama hosted teams annually. However, Trump has had public disagreements with NBA players, including Stephen Curry and LeBron James, who expressed their teams' lack of interest in visiting during the 2018 NBA Finals. The 2025 champion Oklahoma City Thunder also did not visit the White House last season, citing scheduling conflicts.

The Knicks have recently secured their first win of the season against the Detroit Pistons, ending a three-game losing streak to open the season. The team had previously lost to Philadelphia, Boston, and Orlando.