Jalen Brunson on Knicks’ White House Visit: ‘We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it’

Jalen Brunson says Knicks haven’t discussed White House visit yet

New York Knicks star **Jalen Brunson** shut down speculation about a potential White House visit with President Trump following the team’s NBA Finals triumph last month. Speaking at *Variety*’s inaugural Sports & Entertainment Studio in New York last week, Brunson, 29, made it clear the team hasn’t broached the topic.

“That’s something that we actually haven’t discussed as a team,” Brunson said. “And so obviously, people are making assumptions and saying everything, but together we haven’t discussed it yet. And so we’ll cross our bridge when we get to it.”

When told the Knicks would be the first NBA team to meet Trump if they accept, Brunson’s response was simple: “Interesting… *interesting*.”

Why the Knicks’ White House visit matters

The Boston Celtics were the last NBA team to visit the White House, meeting with President Biden in 2024. The Oklahoma City Thunder, last year’s NBA champions, skipped a visit to Trump in 2025 citing scheduling conflicts.

“We have been in touch with the White House and we are appreciative and grateful for the communication we have had, but the timing just didn’t work out,” the Thunder said in a statement at the time.

Knicks owner **James Dolan**, a longtime Trump ally, confirmed the team accepted an invitation but said details were still being worked out.

“He is a friend,” Dolan told WFAN in June. “I’ve known him for 30 years. And I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”

A White House spokesperson told *The Athletic* the administration had been in contact with the Knicks and looked forward to hosting the team at a date to be determined.

What’s next for Jalen Brunson this summer

Beyond the White House chatter, Brunson revealed he’d love to make a guest appearance on *Law & Order: SVU*-a show tied to his close friend and Knicks superfan **Mariska Hargitay**.

“Mariska has become a great friend of mine,” Brunson told *Variety*. “She was an idol. She was someone I looked up to. I think obviously I feel like everyone who watches this show feels like she’s just a role model for all.”

Brunson’s wife, **Ali**, also gushed about the friendship during the 2026 NBA Finals. “I really love it,” she said. “It’s captain meets captain. I know that’s so cheesy.”

Ali added that Brunson watches *SVU* “religiously, for years and years.” The couple has shared multiple experiences with Hargitay, calling her “a wonderful human.”