This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Utah Jazz are the 17th most-valuable franchise in the NBA, according to Forbes.

In the magazine's annual report on valuations of the league's teams, the Jazz are appraised at $525 million. They are sandwiched by Sacramento ($550 million) and Toronto ($520 million) in the rankings.

The New York Knicks, worth $1.4 billion, are the most valuable franchise in the NBA. They are followed by the Los Angeles Lakers ($1.35 billion) and the Chicago Bulls ($1 billion).

According to Forbes, the average value of a franchise in the NBA is $634 million — 25 percent more than last year.

Two factors are involved in the increase.

No. 1, the NBA will soon negotiate a new national broadcasting agreement that could double the $930 million a year average it currently gets.

No. 2, the new collective bargaining agreement with the players lowered labor costs from 57 percent of basketball-related income to 50 percent.

Here is Forbes' valuation profile of the Jazz:

"[They] have consistently been one of the NBA's best supported teams, but attendance and TV ratings are both down in recent years. Attendance was off three percent last season and ratings on [ROOT] Sports were down 21 percent, although [that is] still fifth-highest in the NBA at 4.4.

"To enhance the fan experience at EnergySolutions Arena, the Jazz spent $15 million on the 23-year-old arena. Renovations include upgraded audio and video systems, as well as new kitchens on the suite level.

"The Jazz slashed payroll this season to one of the NBA's lowest to rebuild and potentially set itself up to choose near the top of the loaded 2014 draft."

A day off

The Jazz, who did not practice Wednesday, have lost back-to-back games for the first time since Dec. 14-16.

In consecutive defeats to Minnesota, Utah was beaten by a total of 41 points.

On Saturday night at Target Center, the Jazz trailed by as many as 36 points before losing, 98-72.

On Tuesday night at EnergySolutions Arena, the Jazz trailed by as many as 26 points before losing, 112-97.

In the rematch, Utah played without starting center Derrick Favors, who missed the game because of an abductor strain.

Without him, Minnesota's Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic dominated around the basket. Love finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds, including the 4,000th of his career.

"He's a great rebounder," said coach Rick Adelman. "He's got a great nose for the ball. He tracks the ball so well on both ends of the court. And his effort is always there."

Hayward's return

Utah's Gordon Hayward returned from a five-game absence because of a hip flexor injury and scored 27 points against Minnesota. He also had five rebounds and five assists.

"It was a slow start," Hayward said, "but I made some shots. I felt good out there. It was good to be back."

World Cup tryouts-bound?

On Thursday, Hayward is expected to be named to a pool of 30 players who will compete for spots on the United States' 2014 World Cup roster.

Others who will be invited, according to various media reports, include Damian Lillard, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Stephen Curry and Paul George.

Twitter: @sluhm —

Wizards at Jazz

Saturday, 7 p.m.

TV: ROOT Sports