Utah Jazz, under new president Austin Ainge, declare an end to tanking for the 2025-26 season, eyeing an aggressive 2025 NBA Draft. A new era begins!
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Friday, June 6, 2025, marks a pivotal day for Utah Jazz fans! The biggest news reverberating through Salt Lake City is the emphatic declaration from new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge: the tanking era is officially over. Get ready for a Jazz team focused on winning, a commitment that dramatically reshapes their approach to the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft and the 2025-26 season.
Despite the strategic advantage of retaining a top-8 protected pick owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ainge emphasized that the team will focus on winning games and developing its youthful core.
The days of strategic losses are behind us. Austin Ainge, newly minted as the ultimate decision-maker in the front office, has made it clear: the Utah Jazz will not be tanking in the 2025-26 season. This is a significant philosophical shift, especially considering the team still owes a top-8 protected pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead of manipulating lineups or sitting players to improve lottery odds, the Jazz will be actively trying to win every game. This new competitive mandate, a stark contrast to the strategy that led to a franchise-worst 17-65 record in 2024-25, is set to influence every offseason decision, from draft selections to free agency.
With the #5, #21, #43, and #53 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Jazz are armed with significant capital. The rumor mill, fueled by The Athletic's Tony Jones, is already buzzing with the Jazz reportedly engaged in active trade discussions with at least one lottery team. Austin Ainge has confirmed the front office is open to all possibilities – moving up, moving down, or packaging picks for established talent. While Ainge has stated the current expectation is to use all four picks, the team's roster flexibility, including non-guaranteed contracts and open two-way slots, means they are well-positioned to make bold moves on draft night. The #5 pick, however, seems likely to remain in Utah's hands unless an irresistible offer materializes.
The front office overhaul is complete, with Austin Ainge officially installed as president of basketball operations. This move solidifies his role in shaping the team's future. Echoing this vision, Danny Ainge expressed strong optimism about the Jazz's young core, including last season's standouts like leading scorer Collin Sexton (18.4 ppg), top rebounder Walker Kessler (12.2 rpg), and rookie assist leader Isaiah Collier (6.3 apg). The overarching strategy is clear: build through the draft, develop homegrown talent, and remain opportunistic in the trade and free agent markets. This patient yet proactive approach aims to construct a sustainable contender in Utah.
The commitment to a more competitive future comes after a challenging 2024-25 season, where the Jazz finished 17-65. While the record was difficult, it provided valuable experience for young players and clarity on roster needs. Players like Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and Isaiah Collier showed flashes of their potential, and mid-season acquisitions like KJ Martin, Drew Eubanks, Patty Mills, and Jaden Springer were integrated. With no new injuries reported as of June 6th, the team enters the offseason with a relatively clean bill of health, ready to build upon the lessons learned and inject new talent via the draft.
The Utah Jazz are at a fascinating crossroads. With a new competitive mandate from Austin Ainge, a treasure trove of draft picks, and a commitment to developing their young talent, this offseason promises to be one of the most impactful in recent memory. Forget the tank talk; the focus is now firmly on building a winning culture. All eyes will be on the Jazz during the 2025 NBA Draft as they look to make moves that will define their trajectory for years to come. Buckle up, Jazz Nation, the rebuild is kicking into high gear!
