Austin Ainge leaves Celtics to lead Utah Jazz basketball operations
- Austin Ainge comes to the Utah Jazz after 17 years with the Boston Celtics in various roles, including assistant general manager.
- His hiring as president of basketball operations follows a challenging season for the Jazz, who posted the worst record in franchise history.
- Ainge looks forward to leveraging his extensive experience to build a better future for the Jazz organization.
In a significant move in the world of professional basketball, Austin Ainge has accepted the position of president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz. This announcement was made on June 2, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in Ainge's career after spending 17 years with the Boston Celtics organization. Ainge's role with the Celtics included various positions such as director of player personnel, assistant general manager, and head coach of the G League's Maine Celtics. His departure follows the Celtics' recent second-round playoff exit and Jayson Tatum's injury, prompting an anticipated offseason of changes within the franchise. Austin Ainge is poised to work closely with his father, Danny Ainge, who serves as the CEO of the Utah Jazz. This family connection adds layers to the dynamics of the Jazz operations, which are looking to rejuvenate their performance after struggling in recent seasons. The Jazz suffered a disappointing record of 17-65 during the 2024-25 season, marking the worst in franchise history and failing to secure a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. Austin's extensive experience with the Celtics, where he was involved in scouting and personnel decisions, positions him as a capable leader to drive Utah's rebuilding efforts. In a statement regarding his new role, Austin expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, emphasizing his commitment to improving the Jazz organization. He acknowledged the responsibility to build a championship-caliber team, highlighting his lifetime involvement in basketball as a player and executive. His previous experiences with the Celtics have given him substantial insight, and he aims to apply this in conjunction with the Jazz's ownership and leadership team, promoting an environment that prioritizes chemistry and team success. The resignation of Ainge from the Celtics has prompted admiration from his former colleagues, including current Celtics president Brad Stevens. Stevens expressed confidence in Ainge's readiness for this new chapter and noted his hard work and strategic thinking capabilities. As the Utah Jazz look to overcome recent struggles, Austin Ainge’s leadership is seen as a potential turning point for the team. His hiring signifies a belief in a brighter future for the Jazz, with both Ainge and his father steering the organization in a new direction.