KNICKS MOST VALUABLE NBA FRANCHISE

For the fourth straight year, and despite front office and player turmoil, the New York Knicks are the NBA's most valuable team. The Knicks are worth $613 million, according to Forbes' latest rankings, an increase of 1 percent over their 2007 value. Throughout the past year, the franchise has made many headlines off the court, ranging from former team president Isiah Thomas being found guilty in a sexual harassment lawsuit to guard Stephon Marbury's feud with management and coach Mike D'Antoni.
2. For the fourth consecutive year, the Los Angeles Lakers are ranked second by Forbes, at $584 million, up from $560 million.
3. Chicago Bulls at $504 million
4. Detroit Pistons at $480 million
5. Cleveland Cavaliers at $477 million.

The biggest change in value belongs to the Portland Trail Blazers, who increased by 21 percent to $307 million. They still rank only 20th out of 30 franchises.Also showing a huge increase are the NBA champion Boston Celtics, up to $447 million from $391 million. The biggest drop in value hit the New Jersey Nets, who fell 13 percent to $295 million, 26th overall. The Nets have had delays in their plans to build and move into a new arena in Brooklyn. Forbes ranked the value of franchises in the other major pro sports earlier this year. The Dallas Cowboys topped the NFL at more than $1.6 billion, the New York Yankees led baseball at over $1.3 billion and the Toronto Maple Leafs led the NHL at $448 million.