Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.) responded this week to a suggestion by fellow 2020 contender, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Bill de BlasioOVERNIGHT ENERGY: California seeks to sell only electric cars by 2035 | EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities | House energy package sparks criticism from left and right EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities New Year's Eve in Times Square to be largely virtual amid pandemic MORE, that he join the Brooklyn Nets after the two traded quips about the Vermont senator's basketball skills.

“Not bad, @BernieSanders!” de Blasio tweeted in response to a video of Sanders making multiple baskets at an arcade basketball game. De Blasio then suggested his fellow presidential candidate should substitute for Brooklyn Nets small forward Kevin Durant.

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“.@BernieSanders used to ball in Midwood back in the day and can still hoop, but we're happy with our roster!” the NBA team’s Twitter account responded.

.@BernieSanders used to ball in Midwood back in the day and can still hoop, but we're happy with our roster! https://t.co/ILW6U8SEZA — Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 7, 2019

“I’ll be occupied through 2028, but thanks for thinking of me,” Sanders replied.

.@BilldeBlasio I’ll be occupied through 2028, but thanks for thinking of me. https://t.co/VatU3oyFmP — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 7, 2019

Sanders was an avid basketball player in his youth. A former teammate from Burlington, Vt., where Sanders served as mayor, told The Guardian in 2016, “From mid-range, 10-15 feet, he could kill you.”

Sanders also played with his grandchildren in February 2016, shortly after his victory in the New Hampshire Democratic primary for the party's presidential nomination.