The New York Knicks will visit the White House to celebrate their NBA championship, an administration official confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump’s hometown team will be the first NBA champions to visit the White House during either of his terms in office.
Knicks owner James Dolan first shared the news in an interview with WFAN sports radio Wednesday.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, etc., but yes, of course.”
A White House official told NBC News on Wednesday that administration officials have “been in touch with the Knicks and look forward to hosting the team at a date to be determined in the near future.”
Dolan on Wednesday touted his relationship with Trump, whom he invited to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8.
“Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years, and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House,” Dolan said.
Trump was booed at the game, the only one the Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs during the five-game series.
He watched the game from Dolan’s box, where he was joined by several administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.
Trump celebrated the Knicks’ championship early Sunday on Truth Social, congratulating Dolan and top players Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson.
“What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four — Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball,” he wrote.
The Knicks are expected to visit the White House after NBA championship-winning teams skipped the meeting for years, starting with the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
Star player Stephen Curry said in September 2017 that he was not interested in visiting Trump’s White House, sparking a furious social media post from Trump.
“Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” Trump wrote on X in September 2017.
The Warriors did not visit the White House the next year after they won the championship again. The Toronto Raptors did not attend the White House after their 2019 win, either.
In 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship win was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the team did not visit the White House. However, Trump told reporters in 2018 he would not invite Lakers player LeBron James to the White House after James stood behind Curry’s criticisms.
When Trump returned to office last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder said they would not visit the White House after their championship win because of “timing” issues.
Three teams visited during President Joe Biden’s term — the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors and the Boston Celtics in 2021, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
As much as anyone, Bridges has earned the right to soak in this Knicks championship.
For most of his first 20 months with New York, Bridges was scrutinized, criticized, and demonized for his play. He was most closely associated with the phrase "five first-round picks," which is what New York gave up to acquire him from Brooklyn.
Obviously, most Knicks fans are looking at him through a different lens these days.
Bridges’ play was pivotal in the Knicks' 2026 playoff run.
He averaged 16 points, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals during New York’s 13-game winning streak. Bridges also played exceptional defense, helping the Knicks establish a net rating of +15.5 when he was on the floor.
He also was one of a select group of Knicks who hit shots in the Game 5 clincher (14 points, four assists).
After that game, as he was walking off the floor, Bridges greeted a group of fans in the stands who were chanting ‘f--k them picks.’
But it also revealed something important about Bridges’ mindset.
"The times I've been struggling, the fans were on me. The thing is about me, I want to always be better," Bridges said. "So whatever, how they feel, I always want to be better.
"They keep pushing me and if they strongly believe that we have a chance every year and if they strongly believe I have a chance to be better, I'm already thinking about that. I appreciate the tough love.
"I know some fans might be a little bit crazier than others, but the ones that truly care, and want me to be better, don't stop now. Just keep pushing me."
Knowing the scrutiny on this team, Bridges will surely take some criticism if/when he hits a rough patch next season. He welcomes it.
"Just know I'm going to keep working," Bridges said. "If they keep egging me on and talking a little sh-t I'm pretty tough, I'll be all right."
The sting of Tom Thibodeau’s firing still lingers.
Thibodeau, fired in June 2025 after coaching the Knicks for five seasons, told The Athletic before the 2025-26 season he was deeply wounded and “had a sense of betrayal” as he felt he’d helped certain people in the organization who didn’t return his loyalty.
On Wednesday, the outlet reported that a friend of the coach said he is “genuinely very happy for the players and his guys” for winning a title — but some less-happy feelings still linger.
Tom Thibodeau reacts on the court during a Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals game in 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“Tom is still hurt that the decision-makers made it appear he needed to be replaced,” the anonymous friend told The Athletic.
“I talked to Thibs (Saturday) and the first thing we talked about was that he had no malice in his heart, he didn’t have any kind of hatred,” Gibson said. “He was so happy for the guys, he was just really proud of the guys for what they accomplished.”
Knicks owner James Dolan and president Leon Rose moved on from Thibodeau due to his inability to get the team to the next level, but also due to a lack of collaboration with with the front office.
But even though Thibodeau’s time in New York ran its course after the Knicks lost to the Pacers 4-2 in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, he’s one of the key factors in the team’s return to relevance.
Tom Thibodeau speaks with Josh Hart during a game against the Mavericks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Before he was hired in 2020, the Knicks weren’t an attractive landing spot for free agents, had missed the playoffs in sevens straight seasons and hadn’t won 30 games since 2017-18.
Thibodeau immediately established a defensive, gritty identity with the Knicks, guiding them to a 226-174 regular season record in five seasons and winning four playoff series in his final three years.
Mike Brown then replaced Thibodeau in July 2025 and ultimately led the Knicks to their first title in 53 years in his first season.
The Knicks faced their biggest test right away. They trailed the Hawks two games to one after a pair of one-point setbacks in Games 2 and 3. Atlanta guard CJ McCollum was torching them, averaging 27 points through the first three games of the series.
Ahead of a pivotal Game 4 in Atlanta, reserve guard Miles McBride sounded the alarm.
“I’d say we’re playing for our lives,” he said.
The Knicks routed the Hawks in Game 6. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Knicks responded by reeling off three straight victories to win the series. It started with coach Mike Brown making a major tweak to the offense. With Brunson being hounded by standout Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, the Knicks started running offense through Towns. He notched a triple-double in Game 4 — the first of his playoff career — in a 16-point win.
The Knicks won the final two games of the series by a combined 80 points. In the clincher, they set an NBA playoff record for the largest halftime lead of 47 points, going on to win by a whopping 51. The entire starting five reached double figures on a night the Knicks shot a scalding 59 percent from the field. It also included a Mikal Bridges breakout. Amid calls for Bridges to be benched, Brown stuck with the struggling veteran wing, and he rewarded him with a 24-point performance on 10-for-12 shooting. It started a torrid stretch for Bridges and the Knicks, who wouldn’t lose again until the NBA Finals.
“He just did what he’s capable of doing,” Brown said. “Is he gonna go 10-for-12 every night? No. But he was aggressive. Took great shots. I wouldn’t let it go unnoticed that his defense was phenomenal.”
The Knicks swept the 76ers in the second round. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
How it happened:
This series was never close. The 76ers’ lack of depth combined with a short turnaround after a grueling seven-game series victory over the Celtics gave them no shot. Only one of the four games was decided by single digits — the Knicks’ six-point Game 2 victory – and even that was never really considered in doubt. A hobbled Joel Embiid created major defensive issues for Philadelphia that the Knicks took advantage of. They won the four contests by an average of 22.2 points.
The most interesting part of the series was the final two games in Philly. Ahead of the matchup, Embiid implored 76ers fans to not sell their tickets, to avoid a repeat of two years prior when Knicks fans took over Xfinity Mobile Arena (then Wells Fargo Center). His plea fell on deaf ears.
Game 4 sounded like Madison Square Garden. Embiid heard boos during warmups.
Afterward, a giddy Josh Hart joked: “I used to think Philly was a sports town. I don’t know if it is anymore.”
Said 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey: “It absolutely sucks, if I’m being honest. It just sucks.”
There wasn’t much for 76ers fans to cheer about. The Knicks won the series finale by 30 points, 144-114, and equaled an NBA playoff record with 25 3-pointers.
The series also showed off their depth. Anunoby suffered a mild hamstring strain late in Game 2 and missed the last two games. It didn’t matter. McBride and Landry Shamet stepped up in his place. Shamet, buried on the bench before Anunoby’s injury, exploded for 15 points in Game 3 and McBride drained seven 3-pointers in Game 4.
“I always feel like I’m going to make shots,” McBride said. “I trust my work, trust my preparation. They left me open.”
The series was really decided by Game 1. With a nine-day layoff, the Knicks were rusty. The Cavaliers took advantage, building a 22-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Cleveland seemed on its way to stealing home-court advantage. Then, Brunson slipped on his Superman cape.
The Knicks’ captain rallied them from down 22 in the final 7:52 of regulation, finishing with 38 points. He relentlessly attacked Cavaliers All-Star James Harden during an 18-1 run, and the Knicks dominated overtime. The win marked the Knicks’ eighth straight playoff victory. It was also the first time in the play-by-play era (1997 and on) that a team that trailed by 20 or more points in the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter had ever won.
The Knicks also swept the Cavs. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Cavaliers never recovered, blasted in the final three games by a combined 66 points. There was a different Knicks star in every game. Brunson owned the first game, Josh Hart was terrific in Game 2 — he made five 3-pointers and scored 26 points – Anunoby and Bridges shared the spotlight in Game 3 and the bench took over the finale, scoring 58 points in a 37-point romp.
Like Philadelphia, Knicks fans took over Cleveland to see their team advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. The playoff win streak was now at 11, and 10 of those victories had come by at least 11 points.
“To be part of this team that revives the word ‘hope’ in this city, it’s something special,” Towns said. “It’s something really, really special. And it’s an honor.”
The Spurs started fast and the Knicks finished faster. That was this series in a nutshell. In all four wins, the Knicks trailed by double digits and were behind late in the fourth quarter. It included a Finals-record comeback from 29 points down in the third quarter of Game 4. It included the Knicks becoming the third road team in Finals history to win the first two games of the series, along with the 1993 Bulls and 1995 Rockets.
It included Brunson proving all his critics wrong, that he was good enough to be the star of a championship team despite all the questions about his limitations. He poured in 38 points in that Game 4 rally, then scored 45 more in the clincher en route to MVP honors.
The Knicks bested Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals. AP Photo/Darren Abate
Anunoby had the biggest play of the series – arguably the biggest play in franchise history — with his flying tip-in of a Brunson miss with 1.2 seconds left, capping that iconic Game 4 comeback. It saved the Knicks from a 2-0 series lead becoming 2-2, a win that will stand alone among the 16 it took to end a 53-year drought.
“That has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball,” Brown said.
The Spurs entered the betting favorite after eliminating the defending champion Thunder. They had the superhuman Victor Wembanyama and two of the brightest young guards in the league in Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle. But the Knicks had experience, and they had Jalen Brunson. That won out in the end, as the Knicks won all three games in San Antonio at Frost Bank Center.
“I’m sorry it took so long but here we are,” owner James Dolan said, “and hopefully it won’t take that long again.”
Jan 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) celebrates a play with forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Collin Gillespie (12) against the Miami Heat in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NBA season is officially over, and the rest of the league is finally catching up to where the Phoenix Suns have been for the past month and a half: the offseason.
We currently find ourselves in that two-week window between the conclusion of the NBA Finals and the start of free agency, a period in which teams can begin conversations with their own restricted and unrestricted free agents as they lay the groundwork for the 2026-27 season. For the Suns, that means turning their attention toward roster construction and determining which players they want to retain as they continue navigating a challenging financial landscape.
This year’s free agent class isn’t particularly noteworthy, but that’s become the norm in today’s NBA. Star players rarely reach unrestricted free agency anymore, choosing instead to sign extensions with their current teams or force their way to preferred destinations via trade. As a result, the available talent pool is often thinner than it once was. That reality creates additional value for teams that already possess productive players entering free agency.
The Suns find themselves in that position with several players whose futures remain unresolved. Whether it’s restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, or players the organization has various rights attached to, Phoenix has decisions to make and negotiations to begin.
One interesting perspective on that value comes from John Hollinger of The Athletic, who annually publishes his Top 25 NBA Free Agents list. What makes Hollinger’s rankings unique is that they aren’t simply based on reputation or box score statistics. He uses a valuation system of his own creation to quantify a player’s market value and expected contract value based on production, age, role, and projected impact.
I developed a player valuation system called BORD$ (short for “Big Old Rating Dollars”) that uses analytics and playing time data from the last two seasons, projects values for the coming season based on a player’s age and performance and then converts the projected performance and playing time into a salary estimate based on the projected cap in 2026-27 of $165 million. (More on the methodology from this story five years ago.)
It’s an interesting exercise, especially when evaluating some of the Suns’ internal free agents and determining where they might fit in the broader landscape of this offseason market.
On Hollinger’s list this year, two of the Suns’ four notable free agents made the cut.
Jordan Goodwin and Amir Coffey did not crack the top 25, but Collin Gillespie landed at No. 10 while Mark Williams checked in at No. 23. Using his BORD$ valuation system, Hollinger views both as players who carry significant market value entering free agency.
Collin Gillespie: $21,472,942
Obviously, if $21.5 million is what Collin Gillespie is worth and somebody is willing to offer him that kind of money, I don’t think the Suns bring him back. That’s a lot to pay for a backup point guard.
This valuation may sound pretty extreme because Gillespie’s career had little traction until he blew up in his age-26 season, but he was fantastic last year. He’s also a career 40.5 percent 3-point shooter on serious volume, holds his own on defense and can run an offense. Paying him fifth-starter money isn’t crazy.
Obviously, if $21.5 million is what Collin Gillespie is worth and somebody is willing to offer him that kind of money, I don’t think the Suns bring him back. That’s a lot to pay for a backup point guard.
Make no mistake about it, as fantastic as Gillespie was last season, and understanding that he faded a bit down the stretch, he’s not a starting caliber point guard. Or perhaps he is, but not in a Phoenix Suns ecosystem that already features both Devin Booker and Jalen Green. And that’s the decision facing Phoenix this offseason.
Gillespie or Green?
One path involves moving on from Jalen Green, who is ultimately a duplicate of Devin Booker in many ways, and attempting to acquire assets that fortify the roster. In that scenario, Gillespie and Booker become your starting backcourt, allowing you to build differently around them.
The other path is to retain Green and pay Gillespie to come off the bench. At that point, the question becomes simple: how much are you willing to pay a reserve guard?
I think the answer lands somewhere in the middle.
My guess is that the Suns and Gillespie ultimately settle in the $12 million to $14 million per year range. If that happens, I could see it being a four-year deal with a team option attached to the final season, giving Phoenix some flexibility as it continues navigating its long-term cap situation. But that’s only my guess.
Mark Williams (restricted): $16,190,218
As we can see, Hollinger’s system has a little inflation built into it. I don’t see Mark Williams commanding $16.2 million annually in free agency. That said, I don’t think it’s wildly off either.
Williams helped answer questions about his durability by playing a career-high 60 games for the Suns, and now he seems set for a raise. His qualifying offer of $9.6 million is inexpensive enough that Phoenix surely will tender it to make him a restricted free agent.
The trick for Phoenix is having enough room below the first apron to bring back both Williams and Collin Gillespie, which may require the Suns to trade one of their 19 shooting guards.
Yes, the Suns do have a shooting guard problem, don’t they? Still, I’m not sure that is the issue. Because the Suns may not be prioritizing being under the first apron, as Hollinger suggests. What they do have to battle is the open market. There are plenty of teams around the league that could view Williams as worth something in that $16 million neighborhood.
The Lakers immediately come to mind. Yes, they’re the same team that failed Williams on his physical and voided the trade. But they still have a glaring need at center, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they revisited him this summer. All it takes is one team to believe in the talent and be willing to overlook the injury concerns.
PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 9: Khaman Maluach #10 and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns high five before the game against the New York Knicks on January 9, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The question then becomes whether the Suns would match. The center position is arguably the most important storyline of Phoenix’s offseason. You have a lottery pick waiting in the wings in Khaman Maluach, but is he ready to handle that responsibility from Day 1? Or is it smarter to fortify the depth around him and allow his development to occur at a more natural pace?
Personally, I’m all for bringing Williams back. I loved what I saw from him during his time in Phoenix. Yes, the health concerns are real and should not be ignored. But he plays with a high motor. He’s constantly sprinting the floor, running in transition, attacking the glass, and putting pressure on defenses simply through effort. That’s the kind of player you want around a young center.
You want Maluach to watch that every day and understand that success in this league isn’t solely about talent. It’s about energy. It’s about effort. It’s about consistently doing the little things. Hustle, running, and perhaps most importantly, catching the damn ball.
Of course, the Suns could let Williams walk and take their chances in unrestricted free agency. There are some intriguing names available, and some of them would likely come at a lower price point. But are any of them good enough to help fortify the development of your young center? That’s the question Phoenix has to answer. The price, obviously, has to be right.
We’ll know more in the coming days as negotiations begin and the market starts to reveal itself. That’s when we’ll get a better understanding of what these players are actually worth and where they may ultimately end up. For now, all we have are projections, evaluations, and educated guesses.
Still, the fact that the Suns have two players ranked among Hollinger’s top 25 free agents speaks to the value they’ve created internally. Whether you agree with his exact dollar figures or not, the underlying point remains the same. Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams have established themselves as legitimate NBA players with real market value. And that’s exactly why Phoenix should be focused on bringing them back.
The Suns aren’t operating from a position of financial strength. They don’t have the cap space to replace productive players on the open market, nor do they possess a treasure chest of draft assets to quickly replenish the roster. Continuity matters. Internal development matters. Retaining players who have already proven they fit within your system is a must.
That’s why this offseason feels so important. The Suns have spent the past year trying to establish an identity, build a culture, and find players who complement what they’re attempting to become. Gillespie and Williams appear to check those boxes. Now comes the hard part. Figuring out what it costs to keep them.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers runs down court during the third quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Summer should be a season of growth for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While all eyes are on competing for a title in the immediate future, the continued development of their youth is arguably just as important. There aren’t as many prospects on the roster as there were a few years ago — but there are still a few players worth talking about.
Jaylon Tyson, Tyrese Proctor, and whoever the Cavs potentially select 29th overall in this year’s NBA Draft are the main prospects we are focusing on.
In your opinion, whose development is the most important?
Tyson is probably the closest to making an impact. He had a breakout sophomore season as a multifaceted role player who knocked down over 40% of his three-point attempts. Tyson’s on-ball game is ripe with potential, and he has one of the highest motors on the team. A more refined defensive game could make him a highly valuable two-way threat.
Proctor, meanwhile, is still lurking in the shadows. Opportunities were limited during his rookie season. But Cleveland is counting on him to take a leap and be playable next year. He’s got all the tools to play next to James Harden and Donovan Mitchell as an efficient shooter who can defend the point of attack. The Cavs would love to have Proctor in their rotation.
Finally, the 29th pick in the draft is a mystery. We don’t know who they might pick or what position they would even play. If there’s a prospect that has piqued your interest, then maybe you’ll vote for them.
Either way, we want to hear from you in the comments. Do you believe Tyson, Proctor, or the 29th pick can develop into something special on this roster? Who has the highest ceiling? Let us know!
The Knicks now boast three championship teams in their history, three forever squads anchored by legendary players who delivered unforgettable memories.
Here’s a closer look at each title-winning team:
The Knicks will soon have a third championship banner at MSG. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
1969-70
The coach: Red Holzman
The regular-season record: 60-22
The playoff record: 12-7 (4-3 vs. Bullets in Eastern Division semifinals, 4-1 vs. Bucks in Eastern Division finals, 4-3 vs. Lakers in NBA Finals)
The playoff stats: Willis Reed was a double-double machine, averaging 23.7 points and 13.8 rebounds. He had plenty of help at both ends from Dave DeBusschere (16.1 ppg and 11.6 rpg). Clyde Frazier was swishin’ and dishin’ his way to 16 points and 8.2 assists per game, while hitting the glass for 7.8 rebounds.
Willis Reed #19, head coach Red Holzman (R) of the New York Knicks in the locker room is being interviewed by ABC’s Howard Cosell after the Knicks defeated the Lakers in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Championship May 8, 1970. Getty Images
The memories: The most famous moment in Knicks history is the sight of Reed limping out of the tunnel before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Teammates left the locker room not knowing if the league’s MVP would play after missing Game 6 with a torn thigh muscle.
Reed scored the first two baskets of the game – his only four points – but an inspired Frazier authored a Game 7 masterpiece with 36 points, 19 assists, seven rebounds and five steals.
To get to the Finals – where they overcame Jerry West’s game-tying 60-foot buzzer-beater in Game 2 – the Knicks first outlasted the rival Bullets in Game 7 behind 28 points apiece from DeBusschere and Dick Barnett, then took out the Bucks, led by rookie center Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
The team’s 18-game regular-season winning streak remains a franchise record.
The Knicks celebrate their title in 1973. From the lens of George Kalinsky
1972-73
The coach: Red Holzman
The regular-season record: 57-25
The playoff record: 12-5 (4-1 vs. Bullets in Eastern Conference semifinals, 4-3 vs. Celtics in Eastern Conference finals, 4-1 vs. Lakers in NBA Finals)
The playoff stats: Frazier was unstoppable with the ball in his hands, leading the Knicks in scoring (21.9 points per game) and assists (6.2) while logging 45 minutes per night. His backcourt mate was an old rival: Earl Monroe chipped in 16.1 points and 3.2 assists per game. The bigs weren’t quite as potent as they were three years earlier, but DeBusschere (10.5 rpg) and Reed (7.6 rpg) still made their presence felt.
The memories: The Knicks became the first road team in NBA history to win a Game 7 at Boston Garden, clinching the Eastern Conference finals.
In Game 4 against the Lakers in the NBA Finals, the Knicks 13-point lead was trimmed to two in the final minute before DeBusschere grabbed an offensive rebound over Wilt Chamberlain, scored a putback and was fouled. DeBusschere’s signature game (33 points, 14 rebounds) in the 103-98 victory restored command of the series.
The 1973 Knicks are the last NBA team to send all five starters to the Hall of Fame.
“The Lakers wanted us,” Reed said after winning his second NBA Finals MVP in four years. “They got us.”
2025-26
The coach: Mike Brown
The regular-season record: 53-29
The playoff record: 16-3 (4-2 vs. Hawks in Eastern Conference first round, 4-0 vs. 76ers in Eastern Conference semifinals, 4-0 vs. Cavs in Eastern Conference finals, 4-1 vs. Spurs in NBA Finals)
The playoff stats: Jalen Brunson (28.4 points per game) earned his “Captain Clutch” moniker in fourth quarters, and OG Anunoby also averaged 20.1 points per night. Karl-Anthony Towns controlled the boards, averaging 10.6 rebounds. Brunson (6.1 assists per game) and Towns (4.9) were the primary facilitators at different times.
The Knicks ended their 53-year title drought. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The memories: What tops a 22-point comeback in the final eight minutes of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavs? How about a 29-point second-half comeback (20 in the fourth quarter) in Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Spurs, capped by Anunoby’s immortal go-ahead flying tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining?
The Knicks not only tied the NBA record for second-longest playoff winning streak (13) but did so in unprecedented blowout fashion, with 11 victories by double-digit margins during the elimination of the Hawks, 76ers and Cavaliers. Their first three series close-out wins came by an average of 39.3 points before their 94-90 championship-winning clincher in Game 5 in San Antonio. In that one, a dazzling Brunson poured in 45 points on 14-for-27 shooting from the field.
And for a team whose stars — Steph Curry,Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green — all are age 36 or older, Golden State especially could benefit from finding younger role players to ease their load.
But that’s easier said than done. So general manager Mike Dunleavy knows he must be open to any methods of helping the Warriors from a talent standpoint, as he discussed in a press conference Wednesday before next week’s 2026 NBA Draft.
A reporter asked Dunleavy if the organization is comfortable with adding older veterans this summer instead of fresher, but less experienced players.
“Frankly, it’s not the best thing, but if it’s going to make us better — like significantly better — I think we have to look at that, because that’s really our thought process and job right now, is to make this team better,” Dunleavy responded. “So if it means doing older, then we’ll do it, but that’s pretty unlikely. There’s only so many guys I feel like we could bring in that are older, and we’ve got some guys on the back end of it already, and to add to that, you know, there would definitely be some risk. But maybe there’s a situation we do that and go for it, but yeah, I mean, we obviously prefer to get younger.”
Last offseason, the Warriors largely stuck to the strategy of adding more proven players, such as De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford. However, the downside was their inconsistent availability, as both Melton and Horford largely were unable to play both ends of back-to-backs, along with other needed off days.
And with Butler and Curry dealing with long-term injuries of their own, Golden State often seemed to have more players on the injury report than not. So naturally, acquiring younger, less injury-prone players seems like the right move.
But, of course, if an older star — say, LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard — decides they want to join forces with Curry and Co. on the Warriors, Dunleavy could determine the team would be better off with that established force instead of some more youthful energy.
With the NBA offseason about to come into full gear in the coming weeks, Dub Nation will find out Dunleavy’s decided strategy soon enough.
Singer Este Haim said she, sister Alana Haim and Taylor Swift were surprised by the mass attention that their matching blue and orange shirts received at Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10.
Singer Este Haim said she, sister Alana Haim and Taylor Swift were surprised by the mass attention their matching blue and orange shirts received at Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10.
During a Tuesday interview with Variety, Este shared the behind the scenes of their “magical” night on Celebrity Row at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks pulled off the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history over the Spurs in Game 4.
“I mean I think it surprised all of us,” Haim told Variety while at the Los Angeles premiere of “Voicemails for Isabelle” on Netflix on Tuesday. “I just went into being like were going to go to a basketball game and have fun, thats literally it.
Este Haim on her viral "Stevie Knicks" t-shirt and getting invited to MSG by Taylor Swift. pic.twitter.com/QbjIrUbjR4
“Taylor invited me and Alana. I’ve never sat courtside ever, so it was a magical experience.
“I’ve never heard the Garden be that loud in my life. It was amazing. I had the best time.”
The Haim sisters and Swift sported blue shirts with Knicks-coded puns on the front in orange.
Swift’s shirt said “Stevie Knicks,” which was a nod to the legendary singer, who she’s been friends with for some time.
(L-R) Alana Haim, Taylor Swift and Este Haim react in the first quarter during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect(L-R) Alana Haim, Este Haim, Taylor Swift, and Mariska Hargitay react in the first quarter during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Este’s shirt, “Knickole Kidman,” was a reference to actress Nicole Kidman.
Alana donned a shirt with “Knickelback,” a twist on Canadian rock back, Nickelback.
They were courtside with actress “Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay — a close friend of Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson — who also donned a “Stevie Knicks” shirt.
Taylor Swift and Este Haim celebrate after Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks on June 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NBAE via Getty Images
“It’s over! It’s over! Knick fans, this is not a dream!” Breen said as the clock ticked down on the Knicks’ 94-90 win, a victory that gave them their first title since 1973. “Your long, long wait is ended. Go ahead and cry: after 53 years, the Knicks are finally NBA Champions once again!”
Breen, who grew up a Knicks fan as a Yonkers product and Fordham alumn, understood the moment before it happened.
“I do know what it would mean to the city and to the fans of the city,” he said during a pre-Finals conference call. “It might be one of the great moments in the history of New York sports if they win because of what the fan base has gone through and how loyal they’ve been to the team.”
The parade is set to kick off at 10 a.m. at Battery Park. It travels down Broadway and ends at City Hall, where Breen will take the microphone.
Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing will finally get their parade.
The Knicks’ biggest legends, among other team alumni, will travel down the Canyon of Heroes during Thursday morning’s championship parade in lower Manhattan, The Post has learned.
Frazier led the Knicks to two titles more than 50 years ago, but he and his teammates never partook in a parade. In 1970, the Knicks were honored with a ceremony at Gracie Mansion.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (l.) and legend Walt Frazier (r.) celebrate after the team’s NBA championship win on June 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / NY Post
In 1973, roughly 2,000 fans joined them at a celebration at City Hall.
During this run that broke the franchise’s 53-year championship drought, the Knicks welcomed back several former players to games at Madison Square Garden, including Bill Bradley, Bernard King, Larry Johnson, Latrell Sprewell, Marcus Camby, Jeremy Lin, among many others, including Ewing, John Starks and Allan Houston, who are each currently employed by the team.
Karl-Anthony Towns (c.) and Patrick Ewing (r.) hold up the New York Post cover after winning the NBA championship on June 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Ewing, who brought the Knicks within one win of a championship in 1994, will now be showered with confetti on Broadway, a quarter-century after that long-awaited moment seemed lost to history.
“It means everything to the city,” Ewing said after the Knicks clinched the championship in San Antonio. “It was a magical run, all the things they were able to accomplish.”
With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching, there are many questions surrounding who the Warriors will take at No. 11 overall.
But what does Mike Dunleavy have in store for Golden State’s second-round pick, locked in at No. 54?
“I think the approach on the second round for us has been not to overthink it, you’re looking for a guy that can just make it,” Dunleavy told reporters during his Wednesday press conference at Chase Center regarding the upcoming draft. “You don’t worry about position, you don’t worry about size, you don’t worry about age, you’re picking, for example, late 50s, it’s hard to make it to the NBA that far back in the draft.”
The Warriors have found recent success in the second round, drafting players such as Gui Santos, Quinten Post and Will Richard.
“If there’s a guard that we think could make it and it’s just going to mean we have more guards, you just got to do it because the rest of the guys if you try and pick for position at that point you could go wrong,” Dunleavy told reporters. “So I think the focus is just, which guy has the best chance to make it, let’s get him in our program, develop him, get him to Santa Cruz a little bit and see where it goes.”
That development path is exactly what turned Santos, a No. 55 overall pick in 2022, into a real contributor. He spent his entire rookie season in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging 13.7 points per game over two seasons there before earning a consistent role in Golden State.
With Stephen Curry entering what could be one of his final seasons, every value pick matters more than usual for a Warriors roster trying to maximize what’s left of his prime — even one as far down as No. 54.
While the second round might not hold all the answers to the team’s recent struggles, Dunleavy’s philosophy suggests there could be a diamond in the rough waiting to join the Warriors in 2026.
For the foreseeable future, the Knicks are New York's team. It's not surprising, then, that the Yankees want to get a piece of that action.
The ballclub announced Wednesday, June 17 that NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and teammate Josh Hart will throw out the first pitches at that night's game against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium.
The ceremonial tosses will come a little more than 12 hours before the Knicks will be feted with a parade through Lower Manhattan's so-called "Canyon of Heroes," proceeding north on Broadway to City Hall.
Brunson averaged 32.8 points during the Finals as the Knicks won 15 of their last 16 playoff games, losing only Game 3 against San Antonio at Madison Square Garden. Brunson has pulled off first pitch duty in the Bronx as recently as 2024.
Brunson, Hart and Mikal Bridges, famously, were teammates at Villanova during the late 2010s.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for a long-term answer at center for years. Now, one of their favorite targets may suddenly be available.
According to sources and confirmed by the California Post, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is increasingly frustrated with the organization over the handling of his contract situation, creating an intriguing offseason storyline for a Lakers team desperate for size, rim protection and a frontcourt partner for Luka Dončić.
Reports of tension between Walker Kessler and the Jazz could create an intriguing offseason opportunity for the Lakers’ center search. NBAE via Getty ImagesWalker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz passes the ball to Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
According to sources, the Jazz offered Kessler a 5-year contract worth around $140 million, which would come out to $28 million AAV. That would make Kessler the 10th-highest paid center in the league, just below Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5M) and ahead of Milwaukee’s Myles Turner ($26.6M).
However, sources say Kessler’s camp is not thrilled with that offer and is wanting signifcantly more, this putting the two sides at odds.
The development is notable because the Lakers have pursued Kessler before.
Utah has repeatedly rebuffed trade inquiries for the 24-year-old center, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier young defensive big men. But with tensions now reportedly simmering between player and team, a path that once seemed completely closed could become more realistic.
Kessler checks nearly every box on the Lakers’ wishlist.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring Corey Sipkin for NY PostKarl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks goes up for a shot as Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
At 7-foot-1, he provides elite rim protection, strong rebounding and efficient finishing around the basket. He is also viewed as an ideal fit alongside Dončić, whose ability to create lob opportunities helped turn centers like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford into highly productive offensive weapons in Dallas.
Even after a shoulder injury limited him to just five games last season, Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals while shooting 70.3 percent from the field.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently highlighted Kessler as one of the most intriguing names to watch during free agency.
“The Lakers do badly need a high-level starting center,” Windhorst wrote. “The two best ones on the free agent market this summer, Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler, are restricted free agents, and their teams have indicated they want to keep them.”
Jaxson Hayes #11, Luke Kennard #10, and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk down the court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder NBAE via Getty Images
Windhorst noted that Los Angeles could attempt to pressure Utah by presenting Kessler with an aggressive offer sheet.
“The Lakers could try to work with Kessler — a defensive specialist with excellent size who has been far apart from the Jazz in contract talks since last summer — to try to stress the Jazz with an offer sheet,” Windhorst wrote.
He quickly added a warning.
“But that’s a dangerous game.”
Because Kessler is a restricted free agent, Utah retains the right to match any contract offer. League insiders still largely expect the Jazz to do exactly that.
Still, for a Lakers team that has spent years searching for a dominant young center, the fact that Kessler’s relationship with the Jazz appears strained is enough to make this one of the offseason’s most compelling situations to monitor.
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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Tarris Reed Jr. shoots the ball during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Draft with picks No. 24, No. 31, and No. 55. Depending on how the board falls, Tarris Reed, Jr. could be available when New York is on the clock. Should the Knicks consider him?
The Basics
School: UConn
Position: Center
Height: 6’10” (Measured 6’9.75” barefoot at the 2026 Combine)
Projected Draft Range: Late first to early second round (Picks 24–40)
The Numbers
On the surface, Reed profiles as a traditional, retro low-post center. But deeper investigation of his senior season under Dan Hurley at UConn shows a highly modern interior engine. Reed posted an efficient 61% field goal percentage, largely because he understands his limits and dominates the restricted area.
The advanced metrics that stand out are his defensive and playmaking indicators. Reed grabbed nine boards per game with a strong defensive rebound percentage, but his defensive utility is what pops: he averaged two blocks per game, anchoring the paint using his massive 7’4.25” wingspan and a 9’2” standing reach.
Perhaps the most surprising evolution in Reed’s game is his passing. Jumping up to 2.3 dimes per game as a center isn’t an accident. He logged an impressive eight-assist game against Georgetown in the Big East tournament, showing he can act as a high-post hub or find cutters out of short-roll scenarios. The red flag remains at the charity stripe, where a 62% free-throw mark (and a total lack of three-point shots) confirms he is strictly an interior finisher.
What Does He Do Well?
Interior Physicality & Screen Setting: Reed is absolute bruising. At 263 pounds, he sets bone-crushing screens that create massive separation for ball-handlers. He creates extreme roll gravity because defenders must respect his strength as he barrels toward the rim.
Elite Rebounding Motor: He doesn’t rely solely on height; he understands boxing out and using his lower body to carve out space. He is relentless on the offensive glass, generating second-chance opportunities through pure effort and physical dominance.
Short-Roll Passing & Processing: Unlike many traditional college enforcers, Reed doesn’t suffer from tunnel vision. When teams blitzed UConn’s guards, Reed caught the ball at the free-throw line and quickly mapped the floor, hitting weakside shooters or dumping it off to baseline cutters.
On-Ball Interior Defense: While he won’t explode out of the gym with raw vertical leap, his 9’2″ standing reach makes him a wall at the rim. He handles post-up threats with ease, holding his ground without fouling, and rotates with exceptional timing.
Concerns?
Limited Vertical Explosiveness: Reed is a below-the-rim athlete in terms of explosiveness. His 29.5” standing vertical at the combine shows that he wins with positioning and length rather than jumping over people. This raises minor questions about how his finishing will translate against elite NBA shot-blockers.
Zero Floor-Spacing Capability: The shooting is entirely non-existent from the perimeter. He didn’t make a single three-pointer this past season, and his sub-optimal free throw shooting indicates that a reliable mid-range or pick-and-pop jumper could be years away.
Perimeter Switchability: While Reed has nimble feet for a guy his size, he will struggle if isolated on an island against the NBA’s quickest elite guards. He would flourish in a drop scheme, and matching up against modern, highly skilled stretch-bigs who pull him out to the arc will be a challenge.
Age: Turning 23 shortly after draft night means Reed is older than your typical prospect. Teams might view his ceiling as relatively capped compared to an 19-year-old developmental big. But how old was Tyler Kolek when Leon Rose drafted him? We’re obliged to mention it, but age probably won’t be a big deterrent.
The Knicks Fit
Reed is a physical, blue-collar enforcer who thrives on doing the dirty work that impacts winning. The Knicks have a need for dependable, low-mistake interior depth off the bench, and Reed fits like a glove. Unlike a raw developmental project who needs two years in Westchester, Reed spent two seasons under Dan Hurley playing a highly disciplined, demanding style of basketball. He understands defensive rotations, values every possession, and sets the exact type of physical screens that Jalen Brunson loves to exploit. He would be a safety net at the five spot, giving the Knicks a rugged interior presence who can be a physical rebounder and pass out of the short roll.
NBA Comparison
Best-Case Comparison: Isaiah Stewart / Day’Ron Sharpe
Median Outcome: Michael Cage with a passing gene
Low-End Outcome: Reggie Evans / Modern Enforcer off the bench
The Verdict
Pass at 24, Draft at 31.
If the Knicks keep both picks, taking Reed at No. 24 might feel like a slight reach given his lack of vertical explosiveness and spacing. However, if he is sitting there on the board at No. 31, run don’t walk Leon.
