Report: James Dolan is upset that Knicks do not want to visit White House

Relying on Smith as a source is generally somewhat dubious. But Smith is based in New York City and has a well-established resume when it comes to the New York sports scene.

As for Dolan, he is close friends with President Trump, who is a fellow New York native. Trump even attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals last year at the invite of Dolan (and proceeded to get heavily booed by Knicks fans).

After the Knicks won the 2026 NBA title over the summer, Dolan said in an interview that the team would indeed be visiting the White House, as per tradition with defending major sports champions. But Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson said just a few days later that a decision on a White House visit had not been made yet.

Now it appears that there is a real disconnect between Dolan and the Knicks players when it comes to touring 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It probably does not help either that the Knicks are off to a 1-3 start this season and that some of their other stars are openly frustrated right now.