Why OKC Thunder won't visit White House following NBA championship

On their annual trip to Washington, D. C. , the Oklahoma City Thunder will not continue a longstanding tradition.

The reigning NBA champions told 'The Athletic' on Friday that they will not visit the White House. The Thunder told the outlet that bad timing logistics prevented them from visiting President Donald Trump and the White House. As early as the Boston Celtics' trip in 1963, the reigning NBA champions have usually made the trip in the ensuing season as part of a tradition.

The Thunder told 'The Athletic' the following statement: "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. " On a season-long five-game road trip, the Thunder last suited up on Wednesday in a 121-92 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Since then, they're on a two-day break before they face the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

No NBA champion has visited the White House during Trump's presidency. The 2017 and 2018 Golden State Warriors didn't go. Their invitations were eventually pulled in both years.