A New York Knicks-themed trash basket stolen during the team’s recent championship celebrations has been returned to the city’s Department of Sanitation, officials confirmed Thursday. The bin was taken by a Knicks fan shortly after the team’s NBA title victory, prompting widespread attention on social media.

The orange-and-blue trash container was initially removed by a fan who was later identified by city officials as Angie Baez, a former executive director at JPMorgan Chase. The incident occurred amid celebrations following the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years, after they defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games.

Video footage widely circulated on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, showed Baez, dressed in Knicks apparel, dumping the contents of the bin onto a Broadway sidewalk before walking off with the city-owned receptacle. She was subsequently photographed carrying the trash basket on the subway.

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) confirmed the basket’s return to their Worth Street headquarters, posting an image of the bin back in their possession on X with the message, “Home sweet home. Welcome back! We missed you!” Department spokesman Vincent Gragnani stated that the bin had two stickers removed before the photo was taken and emphasized that the image was authentic and not generated by artificial intelligence.

Baez voluntarily surrendered the stolen item and was issued fines totaling $175. This included a $75 penalty for littering and a $100 fine for impeding sanitation operations, which is the maximum amount permitted under city law.

Attempts to reach Baez at her Harlem residence were unsuccessful, and she did not respond to messages seeking comment. JPMorgan Chase confirmed that Baez is no longer employed with the company but did not provide further details.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of a citywide celebration, as the Knicks’ championship win has been a major milestone for fans and New Yorkers alike. The theft and subsequent return of the basket drew significant public attention during this historic moment for the franchise.