The Utah Jazz have reportedly hired Austin Ainge, son of Danny Ainge, as their new president of basketball operations, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Austin Ainge, who spent the last six seasons as the Boston Celtics’ assistant general manager, previously served as the team’s director of player personnel starting in 2011 under his father, who was then the executive director of basketball operations.
Danny Ainge retired from the Celtics in 2021 and later joined the Jazz as CEO of basketball operations and alternate governor. The Jazz, who finished last season with an NBA-worst 17-65 record, believe they are on the right path after committing to head coach Will Hardy with a six-year extension. Hardy also has ties to Boston, having served as an assistant with the Celtics during the 2021-22 season.
Danny Ainge had significant success with the Celtics, transforming the team into a contender and winning the NBA championship in 2008. Although he had left the organization by the time they won the 2024 championship, his influence was still evident. This marks the second time Danny Ainge has hired Austin to a front-office role, hoping to replicate their past success with the struggling Jazz.