Despite its league-worst record, New York Knicks still most valuable NBA team

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter. left, forward Mario Hezonja, center, and guard Damyean Dotson, right, watch the game action from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

NEW YORK — The New York Knicks are worth $4 billion, making them the most valuable NBA team for the fourth straight year, according to Forbes. That’s despite having the worst record among the league’s 30 teams.

In its annual rankings, Forbes said the Knicks’ value increased 11 percent from last year because of a $1 billion renovation of Madison Square Garden, completed in 2013, that has produced a series of new revenue streams.

The Knicks, who feature a starting lineup with three new players acquired in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, lost at home Tuesday night for a franchise-record 15th straight game. They began Wednesday with a 10-43 record.

Forbes says the Los Angeles Lakers remain in second place with a value of $3.7 billion, up 12 percent.

Rounding out the top five are the Golden State Warriors ($3.5 billion), Chicago Bulls ($2.9 billion) and Boston Celtics ($2.8 billion).

The average NBA team is worth $1.9 billion, up 13 percent from last year.