History of Utah Jazz in Timeline
The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team located in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are part of the Northwest Division within the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Their home arena has been the Delta Center since 1991.
1970: Utah Stars Begin Play in the ABA
The Utah Stars, a team that later folded due to financial struggles, began their journey in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1970.
June 7, 1974: New Orleans Jazz Founded
The New Orleans Jazz were established as an expansion team in the National Basketball Association on June 7, 1974.
1974: New Orleans Jazz Join the NBA
The New Orleans Jazz joined the NBA in 1974 as an expansion team.
1974: Jazz Debut Original Purple Uniforms
The Utah Jazz debuted their original purple uniforms in 1974.
December 1975: Utah Stars of the ABA Cease Operations
In December 1975, the Utah Stars, a team in the American Basketball Association, ceased operations after struggling financially and missing payroll.
1976: Utah Stars Cease Operations
After six seasons in the American Basketball Association, the Utah Stars ceased operations in 1976 due to financial difficulties.
June 8, 1979: New Orleans Jazz Relocate to Salt Lake City
On June 8, 1979, the New Orleans Jazz officially moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, while retaining the team name.
June 1979: Utah Jazz Experience Attendance Decline After Move
Following their relocation from New Orleans to Utah in June 1979, the Jazz faced a dip in attendance, partly attributed to a late approval for the move and inadequate marketing efforts in the Salt Lake City region.
1979: New Orleans Jazz Relocate to Salt Lake City, Keep the Name Jazz
Despite relocating to Salt Lake City from New Orleans in 1979, the team opted to retain the name "Jazz" due to time constraints and the need for league approval.
1979: Jazz Move to Utah and Make Uniform Changes
The Utah Jazz franchise began in 1979 after relocating from New Orleans. In their inaugural season in Utah, they made slight modifications to their uniforms, keeping the home uniforms largely unchanged.
1979: Jazz Debut Green Uniforms
The Utah Jazz introduced their green uniforms in 1979, marking the start of their inclusion in the team's uniform rotation.
1981: Jazz Introduce Dark Green Road Uniforms
In 1981, the Utah Jazz unveiled new road uniforms featuring a dark green color scheme. These uniforms showcased the team's iconic Jazz logo on the center chest and incorporated gold numbers.
1981: Frank Layden Replaces Tom Nissalke as Head Coach
In the 1981-1982 season, Tom Nissalke was replaced by general manager Frank Layden as the head coach of the Utah Jazz after a challenging start.
1983: Utah Jazz Win First Division Championship
The Utah Jazz secured their first-ever winning season and clinched the Midwest Division championship in 1983, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
1984: Utah Jazz Make First Playoff Appearance
In 1984, after ten seasons, the Utah Jazz finally made their first appearance in the NBA playoffs.
1984: Jazz Introduce Purple Uniforms
In 1984, the Utah Jazz introduced purple uniforms, adding a new color to their on-court attire.
1984: Mark Eaton Wins Defensive Player of the Year
Mark Eaton's defensive prowess in the 1984-1985 season earned him the prestigious NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
1984: Jazz Make Changes to Green Uniforms, Eventually Retiring the Design
The Utah Jazz made modifications to their green uniforms in 1984, eventually leading to the retirement of this design.
1984: Jazz Revert to Purple Road Uniforms
The Utah Jazz reintroduced purple road uniforms for the 1984-85 season. These uniforms featured gold numbers with white trim and prominently displayed the word 'Utah' on the logo.
1984: Utah Jazz Draft John Stockton
The Utah Jazz selected John Stockton in the first round of the 1984 NBA Draft, a decision met with disapproval from Jazz fans present at the draft party.
April 1985: Larry H. Miller Purchases 50 Percent of the Utah Jazz
In April 1985, auto dealer Larry H. Miller acquired a 50 percent stake in the Utah Jazz, providing some financial stability to the team and preventing a potential relocation.
1985: Darrell Griffith Sidelined Due to Injury
Darrell Griffith, a key player for the Utah Jazz, was sidelined due to injuries throughout the 1985-1986 season.
1985: Jazz Wear Green Jerseys for St. Patrick's Day
During the 1985-86 season, the Utah Jazz sported their green jerseys for St. Patrick's Day games, adding a festive touch to their on-court attire.
1985: Utah Jazz Draft Karl Malone
The Utah Jazz selected Karl Malone in the 1985 NBA Draft, and he made an immediate impact in the 1985-1986 season.
1986: Jazz Add 'Utah' to Home Uniform Logo
In the 1986-87 season, the Utah Jazz made a subtle yet significant change to their home uniforms by adding the word "Utah" to the center chest logo, further solidifying their identity.
1986: Larry Miller Buys Remaining Stake in the Utah Jazz
Larry Miller secured full ownership of the Utah Jazz in 1986 by purchasing the remaining 50 percent stake, thus preventing a potential move to Minneapolis.
1986: Utah Jazz Trade Adrian Dantley for Kelly Tripucka
The Utah Jazz traded their star player, Adrian Dantley, to Detroit in exchange for Kelly Tripucka in 1986.
1986: Jazz Debut White Uniforms
The year 1986 saw the Utah Jazz introducing their white uniforms, marking their first appearance as part of the team's on-court attire.
1987: Jazz's Playoff Run Ends Against Lakers
In 1987, the Utah Jazz, led by John Stockton and Karl Malone, made the playoffs and after defeating Portland advanced to face the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. Though they took the Lakers to seven games, their season ended with a loss in the seventh game.
1988: Jerry Sloan Becomes Head Coach, Jazz Win Division
Frank Layden stepped down as head coach after 17 games in 1988 and was replaced by Jerry Sloan. The Jazz went on to win 51 games and the Midwest Division Championship. Mark Eaton also won Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: Jerry Sloan Becomes Head Coach of Utah Jazz
Replacing Frank Layden, Jerry Sloan became the new head coach of the Utah Jazz in 1988.
1989: Jazz Achieve Best Record in Team History
In 1989, the Jazz had their best record in team history, finishing 55-27. John Stockton led the league in assists that year and Karl Malone had a career-best season. Despite the successful season, the Jazz were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
1989: Jazz Reach First Western Conference Finals
The 1989-1990 season marked the first time the Jazz made it to the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers and Seattle Supersonics in the first two rounds of the playoffs. They lost to Portland in the Conference Finals.
1990: Jazz Trade for Jeff Malone
In 1990, the Jazz traded for shooting guard Jeff Malone from the Washington Bullets in a three-team trade with the Sacramento Kings.
1991: Utah Jazz Begin Playing at the Delta Center
Starting from the 1991-1992 season, the Utah Jazz made the Delta Center their new home arena.
1991: Jazz Move to the Delta Center, Acquire Tyrone Corbin
The Jazz moved to the new Delta Center in 1991 and traded for Tyrone Corbin from Minnesota.
1992: Jazz Host All-Star Game, Acquire Felton Spencer
The Jazz hosted the NBA All-Star game in 1992. That same year they traded for Felton Spencer in an effort to help their center rotation.
1993: Jazz Trade for Jeff Hornacek, Advance to Conference Finals
In 1993 the Jazz traded for Jeff Hornacek. The team improved to 53-29 and after defeating San Antonio and Denver in the playoffs, returned to the Western Conference Finals for a rematch against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets went on to win the NBA championship.
1993: Larry H. Miller Purchases KXIV, Creates KJZZ
Jazz owner, Larry H. Miller, purchased local TV station KXIV and renamed it KJZZ with the intention of showcasing his sports teams in 1993.
1993: NBA All-Star Game Logo Inspires Future Jazz Logo
The logo for the 1993 NBA All-Star Game would later serve as the inspiration for the Utah Jazz's new logo, introduced in the 1996-97 season.
1993: Utah Hosts NBA All-Star Game
Utah first hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1993.
November 4, 1994: Jazz Bear Introduced
On November 4, 1994, the Utah Jazz introduced Jazz Bear as their mascot.
1994: Minnesota Timberwolves Almost Relocate to New Orleans
In a twist of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves, a franchise almost sold and relocated to New Orleans in 1994, were co-founded by the same individuals who had attempted to purchase the Utah Jazz in 1986 with the intention of moving them to Minneapolis.
1994: KJZZ Begins Broadcasting Jazz Games
KJZZ, a sports-oriented station created by Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, began broadcasting Jazz games with the start of the 1993-1994 season.
1994: Jazz Lose Spencer to Injury, Lose Again to Houston
The Jazz lost Felton Spencer 34 games into the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon in the 1993-1994 season. They finished 60-22 but lost again to Houston in the playoffs.
1995: Greg Ostertag Joins the Jazz
Greg Ostertag joined the Jazz in 1995. That year the Jazz went 55-27 and reached the Conference Finals but were defeated by Seattle.
1995: Jazz End an Era of Uniform Designs
The 1995-1996 season marked the end of an era for the Utah Jazz as they bid farewell to their then-current uniform design, which had been a familiar sight on the court for several seasons.
1996: Jazz Unveil New Logos and Uniforms
In the 1996-97 season, the Utah Jazz underwent a significant visual transformation, introducing new logos and uniforms. The updated color palette featured purple, copper, and turquoise. The new logo, crafted by former NBA creative director Tom O'Grady, drew inspiration from the 1993 All-Star Game logo. The redesigned uniforms prominently displayed a silhouette of the Wasatch Range on the center chest, complemented by a stylish Jazz script and purple and turquoise accents.
1996: Karl Malone Wins MVP, Jazz Achieve Best Record
The 1996-1997 season saw the Jazz achieve their best record in franchise history: 64-18. Karl Malone won his first MVP award that season.
1996: Jazz Begin Using Mountain Logo
The Utah Jazz began using their mountain logo in 1996, marking the start of its incorporation into the team's visual identity.
1996: Jazz Make Changes to Purple Uniforms, Eventually Retiring the Design
The Utah Jazz implemented changes to their purple uniforms in 1996, which ultimately led to the retirement of this design.
1996: Jazz Introduce Purple Uniforms
The Utah Jazz introduced a new style of purple uniforms in 1996 which they would go on to wear for eight seasons.
1996: Jazz Debut Original "Mountain" Uniform Design
The Utah Jazz introduced their original "mountain" uniform design in 1996, marking the start of its presence in the team's uniform rotation.
1996: Jazz Begin Using Classic Purple "Mountain" Uniforms
The Utah Jazz started using their classic purple "mountain" uniforms in 1996, marking the beginning of their presence on the court.
1997: John Stockton Suffers Knee Injury
John Stockton missed the first 18 games of the 1997-1998 season due to a knee injury.
1997: Jazz Make First Finals Appearance in Purple Uniforms
The Utah Jazz made their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history while wearing purple uniforms in 1997.
1997: Utah Jazz Reach NBA Finals
The Utah Jazz, led by John Stockton and Karl Malone, faced off against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history in 1997.
February 17, 1998: Jazz's Trade for Rony Seikaly Falls Through
The Jazz attempted to trade for Rony Seikaly from the Orlando Magic on February 17, 1998, but the trade fell through when Seikaly refused to report.
1998: Jazz Introduce Alternate Black Uniform
In the 1998–99 season, the Jazz added an alternate black uniform to their rotation. This uniform featured the Jazz script prominently displayed on the center chest, deviating from the Wasatch Range silhouette seen on their primary uniforms. The Jazz script and numbers on this alternate jersey were white, accented with purple interior trim and copper outlining, and complemented by copper side panels.
1998: Jazz Lose to Bulls in NBA Finals
The Utah Jazz faced the Chicago Bulls in the 1998 NBA finals but lost in six games.
1998: Jazz Make Second Finals Appearance in Purple Uniforms
The Utah Jazz made their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance while wearing purple uniforms.
1998: Utah Jazz Return to the NBA Finals
The Utah Jazz once again reached the NBA Finals in 1998, where they faced the Chicago Bulls, seeking their first championship title.
1999: Jazz Tie for Best League Record, Malone Wins MVP
In 1999, the Utah Jazz, despite a lockout-shortened season, achieved a 37-13 record, tying with the San Antonio Spurs for the best in the league. They reached the Western Conference Semifinals but fell to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Karl Malone's exceptional performance earned him his second MVP award.
1999: Jazz's Season Ends in Second Round, Off-Season Changes
The Utah Jazz concluded their 1999 season with a second-round playoff exit against the Portland Trail Blazers. The off-season saw significant roster changes, with Jeff Hornacek's retirement, Howard Eisley's trade, and the drafting of high school basketball star DeShawn Stevenson.
2000: Jazz Suffer Early Playoff Exit Against Mavericks
Despite a strong 53-29 record in the 2000-2001 season, the Utah Jazz experienced a disappointing first-round playoff exit. After taking a 2-0 lead, they lost three straight games to the Dallas Mavericks, marking their earliest playoff exit since the 1994-1995 season.
2000: Jazz Win Midwest Division, Experience Playoff Disappointment, and Draft DeShawn Stevenson
During the 1999-2000 season, the Utah Jazz secured the Midwest Division title with a 55-27 record. Despite their regular-season success, they faced another playoff setback, losing again to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round. The team then selected DeShawn Stevenson, a highly touted high school prospect, in the first round of the 2000 NBA draft.
2000: Last Multiple Jazz Players Appeared in All-Star Game
Prior to 2020, the last time multiple Utah Jazz players actually appeared in the NBA All-Star game was in 2000.
2001: Andrei Kirilenko Debuts as Jazz Struggle, Fall to Kings in Playoffs
The 2001-2002 season marked Andrei Kirilenko's rookie debut with the Utah Jazz. He showcased his potential, averaging 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.91 blocks per game. However, the team had an inconsistent season, finishing with a 44-38 record and suffering a first-round playoff loss to the Sacramento Kings.
2002: Jazz Undergo Roster Changes, Fall Short of Playoffs Despite Harpring's Performance
Prior to the 2002-2003 season, the Jazz saw roster changes with Donyell Marshall and Bryon Russell departing. Matt Harpring's arrival brought scoring, but despite a strong push for the playoffs, the Jazz finished 47-35. Their season ended with another first-round loss to the Sacramento Kings.
2003: Jazz Commemorate 25th Season in Utah with Replica Uniforms
As part of their 25th-anniversary celebrations in Utah, the Jazz donned replicas of their 1986–96 white uniforms during the 2003–04 season.
2003: John Stockton and Karl Malone Leave the Utah Jazz
Both John Stockton and Karl Malone departed from the Utah Jazz in 2003, marking the end of a legendary era.
2003: Jazz Enter Post-Malone-Stockton Era, Exceed Expectations, but Miss Playoffs
Following the departure of franchise icons Karl Malone and John Stockton, the 2003-2004 season marked a new era for the Utah Jazz. Despite low expectations, the team, led by emerging players like Andrei Kirilenko, Raja Bell, and Carlos Arroyo, exceeded predictions by finishing with a 42-40 record. Despite missing the playoffs by a single game, the season signaled the potential of the Jazz's rebuilding phase. Additionally, Coach Jerry Sloan's leadership was recognized as he finished second in the NBA Coach of the Year voting.
2003: Jazz Retire Alternate Black Uniform
The Utah Jazz retired their alternate black uniform after the 2003-04 season, concluding its run as a distinctive part of the team's on-court attire.
2003: Jazz Conclude Era of Purple, Copper, and Turquoise Uniforms
The Utah Jazz's era of purple, copper, and turquoise uniforms concluded in the 2003-2004 season, marking the end of a distinctive chapter in the team's visual history.
2004: Utah Jazz Miss Playoffs After Consistent Run
After a long streak of playoff appearances, the Utah Jazz missed the playoffs in 2004.
2004: Jazz End an Era: Retiring the Purple "Mountain" Uniforms
After the 2003-2004 season, the Utah Jazz made the decision to retire their classic purple "mountain" uniforms, concluding their run as a beloved and iconic part of the team's visual history.
2004: Jazz Update Color Scheme, Logos, and Uniforms
The 2004-05 season saw the Utah Jazz once again refreshing their visual identity with updates to their color scheme, logos, and uniforms. The new color palette, which would remain in place until the end of the 2009-10 season, incorporated navy blue, powder blue, silver, and purple. The team's logo received minor updates reflecting the new color scheme, while the home uniform featured an updated "Jazz" script in navy blue with navy numbers, both accented with silver interior trim and powder blue outlining. The road uniform, on the other hand, was navy blue with a "Utah" script in powder blue on the center chest and powder blue numbers, both outlined in silver with white interior trim.
2004: Injuries Plague Jazz, Leading to Difficult Season
The 2004-2005 season proved challenging for the Utah Jazz, as injuries to key players like Carlos Arroyo, Raúl López, Carlos Boozer, and Andrei Kirilenko significantly impacted their performance. Despite Boozer's contributions when healthy, the team struggled to a 26-56 record, their worst since the 1981-1982 season.
2004: Jazz Retire Original "Mountain" Uniform Design
The Utah Jazz retired their original "mountain" uniform design following the 2003-2004 season, concluding its run as part of the team's on-court attire.
2004: Jazz Retire Purple Uniforms
The Utah Jazz retired their purple uniforms after eight seasons in 2004.
2005: Jazz Focus on Rebuilding with Draft Picks and Trades
During the summer of 2005, the Utah Jazz continued their roster reconstruction. They made a significant trade to acquire the third overall pick in the NBA draft, which they used to select Deron Williams. Other transactions involved acquiring Greg Ostertag and trading away players like Raja Bell and Raúl López.
2005: Injuries Hinder Jazz's Playoff Hopes, Ostertag Retires
The 2005-2006 season saw the Utah Jazz battling through injuries once again, with Carlos Boozer, Gordan Giricek, and Andrei Kirilenko all missing significant playing time. Despite strong performances from Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, and Deron Williams, the team finished with a 41-41 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. The season marked the end of Greg Ostertag's career as he announced his retirement, having spent a significant portion of his career with the Jazz.
2006: Jazz Introduce Powder Blue Alternate Uniform
In a move to add variety to their on-court looks, the Utah Jazz introduced a new alternate powder blue uniform in the 2006–07 season. This uniform, which the team would wear until the end of the 2009–10 season, featured a Jazz script identical to the team logo and navy blue numbers below it, both with silver and white trim. Additionally, the nameplate on the back of the jersey was navy blue.
2006: Jazz Add Young Talent and Veteran Presence in Draft and Trade
In the 2006 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz focused on adding young talent by selecting Ronnie Brewer, Dee Brown, and Paul Millsap. They also made a trade for veteran point guard Derek Fisher to bring experience to their roster, a move widely praised by sports analysts.
2006: Jazz Show Significant Improvement, Boozer and Okur Earn All-Star Selections
The 2006-2007 season saw the Utah Jazz make a significant leap in performance, finishing with a 51-31 record. Carlos Boozer received his first All-Star selection (although an injury prevented him from playing in the game), and Mehmet Okur earned his first All-Star selection as well. Deron Williams's emergence as a top point guard was evident as he finished third in the league in assists per game.
2006: First Playoff Absence Since 2006
The Jazz's failure to make the playoffs in 2011 marked their first absence from the postseason since 2006.
2007: Okur Replaces Boozer in 2007 All-Star Game
Mehmet Okur, of the Utah Jazz, was selected to play in the 2007 NBA All-Star game as a replacement for an injured Carlos Boozer.
2007: Jazz Welcome D-League Affiliate, Kirilenko's Trade Request, and Fisher's Departure
The 2007 offseason saw the Utah Jazz acquire a D-League affiliate, the Utah Flash. They also drafted Morris Almond in the first round, but the most notable events involved roster changes. Derek Fisher, who had become a fan favorite, left the team to seek better medical care for his daughter in Los Angeles. Andrei Kirilenko's public trade request, stemming from his desire for a larger role, sparked controversy but ultimately resulted in him staying with the team.
2007: Jazz Enjoy Home Dominance, Kirilenko Embraces New Role
The 2007-2008 season saw the Utah Jazz achieve a record-tying 19-game home winning streak. Despite trade rumors in the offseason, Andrei Kirilenko thrived in a revised role focused on defense and playmaking. Carlos Boozer continued his All-Star level performance, while Deron Williams further solidified his place as a top point guard. The team achieved a 54-28 record, good for fifth in the Western Conference.
2008: Injury-Plagued Season for Jazz
The Jazz faced a challenging 2008-2009 season marked by injuries to key players like Williams, Boozer, and Okur, impacting their performance and team chemistry.
2008: Jazz Revive 'J-note' Logo for Television Broadcasts
The Utah Jazz brought back their original 'J-note' logo during the 2008–09 season. However, this revival was limited to television broadcasts and incorporated the team's then-current colors.
February 20, 2009: Larry H. Miller Passes Away
On February 20, 2009, Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller passed away due to complications from diabetes. His son, Greg Miller, took over as the team's CEO.
October 20, 2009: Jazz Sign 12-Year Deal with FSN Utah
The Utah Jazz signed an exclusive 12-year broadcast agreement with FSN Utah (now AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain) on October 20, 2009.
2009: Williams' All-Star Selection and Korver's Record
Deron Williams earned his first All-Star selection in the 2009-2010 season. Despite a controversial off-season, Boozer performed well. Kyle Korver set a new NBA record for three-point field goal percentage in a season.
2009: Roster Changes and Trade Rumors
In 2009, the Jazz drafted Eric Maynor, while Matt Harpring retired. Trade rumors surrounded Boozer, but he remained with the team. Wesley Matthews also joined the roster.
2009: Jazz Wear Replica Green Uniforms to Celebrate Move to Utah
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of their relocation to Utah, the Jazz paid tribute by wearing replicas of their 1979–1984 green uniforms during the 2009–10 season. These replicas featured white trim and letters.
2009: Jazz Conclude Era of Navy, Powder Blue, and Silver Uniforms
The Utah Jazz's use of the navy, powder blue, and silver color scheme for their uniforms came to an end after the 2009-10 season, marking the conclusion of this particular design chapter.
June 15, 2010: Jazz Unveils New Logo and Colors
The Utah Jazz introduced a new color scheme and logo on June 15, 2010, marking a return to their classic 'music note' logo.
June 2010: Jazz Extends Qualifying Offer to Fesenko
The Jazz offered Kyrylo Fesenko a qualifying offer, giving them the right to match any offer he received from other teams.
July 7, 2010: Boozer and Korver Depart
Carlos Boozer joined the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal on July 7, 2010, with the Jazz receiving a trade exception. Kyle Korver also signed with the Bulls.
July 10, 2010: Matthews Signs with Trail Blazers
Wesley Matthews signed a five-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2010, after receiving an offer sheet.
September 27, 2010: Fesenko Signs Qualifying Offer
Kyrylo Fesenko signed a qualifying offer from the Jazz on September 27, 2010, securing his spot on the roster.
2010: Jazz's Playoff Drought Ends with Victory over Clippers
In 2016, the Utah Jazz ended their playoff series drought, which had lasted since 2010, with a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
2010: Jazz Unveil New Logo and Color Scheme
On June 15, 2010, the Utah Jazz took to their official website to unveil a new logo and color scheme. While retaining the mountain logo as their primary emblem, the team introduced a refreshed color palette consisting of navy blue, gold, dark green, and gray for the 2010–11 season. The 'J-note' logo made a comeback in its original green-and-gold scheme, with navy blue incorporated as well.
2010: Jazz Starts Strong but Faces Mid-Season Slump
The Jazz began the 2010-2011 season with an undefeated preseason and a strong start. However, they experienced a significant slump in mid-January, winning only 4 out of 14 games.
2010: Jazz Drafts Hayward and Evans
The Utah Jazz selected Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans in the 2010 NBA Draft.
2010: Utah Jazz Begin Restructuring
With Jerry Sloan's retirement and Deron Williams' trade to the Nets, the Utah Jazz began a rebuilding phase in 2010.
February 10, 2011: Jerry Sloan Resigns as Head Coach
Following a loss to the Chicago Bulls, long-time head coach Jerry Sloan resigned from his position on February 10, 2011, with Tyrone Corbin stepping in as his replacement.
February 23, 2011: Jazz Trades Deron Williams to Nets
The Jazz traded Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets on February 23, 2011, in exchange for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and two first-round draft picks. The trade followed rumors of a dispute between Williams and former coach Sloan.
December 9, 2011: Jazz Introduce Green Alternate Jersey
On December 9, 2011, the Jazz added a new alternate jersey to their collection. This new jersey closely resembled their road jersey but featured a color swap, with green as the primary color and a navy stripe on the side.
2011: Jazz Misses Playoffs After Williams Trade
The Utah Jazz struggled following Deron Williams's trade and finished the 2011 season with a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
2011: Jazz Drafts Kanter and Burks, Parts Ways with Veterans
Utilizing draft picks acquired in the Deron Williams trade, the Jazz drafted Enes Kanter and Alec Burks. The team also bid farewell to Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko, who continued his career in Russia.
2012: Golden State's Conditional Pick Part of Williams Trade
As part of the Deron Williams trade, the Jazz received a conditional 2012 first-round draft pick from the Golden State Warriors.
2012: Williams' Contract Situation Factors into Trade
Deron Williams had a player option for the 2012-2013 season, but Jazz CEO Greg Miller believed that re-signing him would be unlikely.
2012: Jazz Drafts Murphy, Signs Free Agents, and Appoints New Management
In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Jazz selected Kevin Murphy. The team also signed Mo Williams, Randy Foye, Jeremy Evans, and Jamaal Tinsley while appointing Dennis Lindsey as general manager and Kevin O'Connor as vice president of basketball operations. C. J. Miles signed with Cleveland. Andrei Kirilenko did not re-sign with the Jazz.
2012: Jazz Trades Harris for Williams
The Jazz traded Devin Harris to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Marvin Williams during the 2012 offseason.
June 27, 2013: Jazz Acquires Rudy Gobert
The Utah Jazz acquired Rudy Gobert after he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets on June 27, 2013. He signed his rookie contract and participated in the NBA Summer League with the Jazz.
2013: Millsap and Jefferson Depart, Hornacek Joins Suns
Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson left the Jazz before the 2013-2014 season, joining the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats, respectively. Jeff Hornacek took on the head coach position for the Phoenix Suns.
March 14, 2014: Jazz Eliminated from Playoff Contention
On March 14, 2014, the Utah Jazz's playoff hopes ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
May 20, 2014: Jazz Secure Promising Picks in 2014 NBA Draft
The Utah Jazz made significant moves in the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery on May 20, 2014. Securing the 5th pick, they selected Dante Exum, a young Australian point guard. They also added Rodney Hood from Duke University with the 23rd pick and Jarnell Stokes with the 35th pick, who was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
June 6, 2014: Quin Snyder Named New Head Coach of Utah Jazz
On June 6, 2014, the Utah Jazz appointed Quin Snyder as their eighth head coach. Snyder, who signed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth, brought with him experience as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He succeeded Tyrone Corbin in this role.
June 2014: Quin Snyder Becomes Head Coach of the Utah Jazz
In June 2014, Quin Snyder took over the coaching helm of the Utah Jazz, marking the beginning of a new era for the team.
2015: Jazz Retire Green Alternate Jersey
After the 2015-16 season, the Utah Jazz retired their green alternate jersey, concluding its time as part of their uniform rotation.
2015: Jazz Discontinue Use of Gray in Color Scheme
Following the 2015-16 season, the Utah Jazz made a subtle adjustment to their color scheme by discontinuing the use of gray.
2015: Jazz Narrowly Miss Playoffs Despite Improved Record
The Utah Jazz concluded the 2015-16 season with a 40-42 record, securing ninth place in the Western Conference. Despite the improved record, they fell short of a playoff berth by a single game.
May 12, 2016: Jazz Update Logos, Uniforms, and Home Court Design
The Utah Jazz implemented a series of changes to their visual identity on May 12, 2016. These included promoting their wordmark logo to their new primary logo with the addition of the word 'Utah' above the two Zs. This decision also marked the discontinuation of the mountain logo, a fixture since 1996. In addition to the logo updates, the team also introduced a new home court design. Modifications were made to the home and road uniforms, including a new, custom number font. Two new alternate uniforms were introduced: a modified green alternate with a "Utah" script arched in white, and a new navy sleeved alternate featuring the white 'J-note' logo on the right breast and numbers on the left breast in gold, with green, gold and white stripes below the chest.
2016: Jazz Secure Playoff Berth and First Round Victory
The Utah Jazz achieved a 51-31 record in the 2016-17 season, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers in a hard-fought seven-game series, marking their first playoff series win since 2010.
June 22, 2017: Jazz Acquire Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio in Draft Day Moves
The Utah Jazz made significant acquisitions on June 22, 2017, draft night. They secured the rights to Donovan Mitchell, the 13th overall pick, through a trade with the Denver Nuggets, sending Trey Lyles in return. Additionally, they acquired veteran point guard Ricky Rubio to bolster their roster.
July 4, 2017: Gordon Hayward Departs Jazz for Boston Celtics
Gordon Hayward announced his departure from the Utah Jazz on July 4, 2017, opting to join the Boston Celtics as a free agent. He shared his decision through a letter published on The Players' Tribune.
July 14, 2017: Hayward's Contract with Celtics Finalized
On July 14, 2017, Gordon Hayward's contract with the Boston Celtics was officially finalized, solidifying his move from the Utah Jazz.
2017: Jazz Enter Season with Optimism Following Previous Success
Following their surprising success in the 2017-18 season, the Utah Jazz entered the 2018-19 season with a sense of optimism and heightened expectations.
2017: Breakout Seasons for Hayward and Gobert Lead Jazz to Conference Semifinals
Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert emerged as star players for the Utah Jazz during the 2017 season, leading the team to the Western Conference semifinals. Hayward earned his first NBA All-Star selection, while Gobert was recognized for his defensive prowess with a spot on the NBA Defensive First Team and All-NBA Second Team.
2017: Jazz Experience Early Season Struggles
The Utah Jazz faced a challenging start to the 2017-18 season, hampered by an injury to Rudy Gobert and a lack of offensive consistency. By December's end, they held a disappointing 17-21 record.
2017: Jazz Make Changes to Uniform Set with Nike as New Provider
With Nike becoming the NBA's uniform provider in 2017, the Utah Jazz made subtle adjustments to their uniform set. The white "Association" and navy "Icon" uniforms remained largely unchanged, but the team retired their green and navy sleeved alternates. In their place, they introduced a gold "Statement" uniform featuring the navy 'J-note' logo and green numbers. A new "City" uniform drew inspiration from the red rock formations of Southern Utah, showcasing a gradient of gold, orange, burgundy, and black.
2018: Jazz Face Early Season Challenges Despite High Expectations
Despite a promising previous season, the Utah Jazz encountered difficulties early in the 2018-19 season. By November's end, they found themselves at 11-12, holding the tenth spot in the Western Conference standings. Donovan Mitchell's shooting struggles contributed to the team's inconsistent performance, and their record hovered around the .500 mark throughout December.
2018: Jazz Wear Modernized Purple Uniforms for 40th Season Celebration
During the 2018–19 season, the Utah Jazz commemorated their 40th season in Utah by sporting a modernized take on their 1984–1996 purple uniforms.
2018: Mitchell's Emergence and Gobert's Return Fuel Jazz's Remarkable Turnaround
The Utah Jazz experienced a remarkable transformation in the second half of the 2018 season, fueled by the emergence of rookie Donovan Mitchell and the return of Rudy Gobert. Mitchell's scoring prowess, which included breaking the rookie record for three-pointers, combined with Gobert's defensive impact and improved play from Ricky Rubio, propelled the Jazz to a 32-13 record over their final 45 games. They finished the season with a 48-34 record and secured the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
May 10, 2019: Jazz Restructure Front Office, Promoting Lindsey and Zanik
On May 10, 2019, the Utah Jazz announced a restructuring of their front office. Dennis Lindsey was promoted to the position of executive vice president of basketball operations, while Justin Zanik assumed the role of general manager.
December 24, 2019: Jazz Acquire Jordan Clarkson in Trade with Cavaliers
On December 24, 2019, the Utah Jazz made several roster moves. They waived forward Jeff Green, signed G-League free agent Rayjon Tucker, and executed a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The trade sent Dante Exum to Cleveland in exchange for shooting guard Jordan Clarkson. The acquisition of Clarkson was particularly well-received by media and fans, although the departure of Exum, a former high draft pick, was met with mixed emotions.
2019: Mitchell's Resurgence Leads Jazz to Playoff Berth Despite First-Round Exit
Donovan Mitchell's performance surged after the New Year in 2019, averaging impressive scoring numbers and leading the Utah Jazz on a late-season surge. Their 32-13 finish earned them a fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. However, they faced a tough matchup against the Houston Rockets, who had also hit their stride, and were eliminated in the first round.
2019: Jazz Make Roster Changes, Receiving Positive Feedback from Media
During the 2019 off-season, the Utah Jazz actively reshaped their roster through trades and free agency. Notable additions included Jeff Green, Mike Conley Jr., Ed Davis, Bojan Bogdanović, and Emmanuel Mudiay. Departures included Derrick Favors, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, Raul Neto, and Ricky Rubio. These changes were generally well-received by sports media.
2019: Jazz Sport Modernized Purple Uniforms
For the 2019-20 season, the Jazz brought back a modernized version of their purple uniforms from 1996-2004, the era that included two trips to the NBA Finals.
2019: Jazz's Season Ends in Heartbreaking Game 7 Loss to Nuggets Despite Mitchell's Heroics
The Utah Jazz were one of 22 teams invited to participate in the NBA Bubble to conclude the 2019-20 season, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a mediocre 3-5 record in the seeding games, the Jazz secured the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and a matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Donovan Mitchell delivered a historic performance in the series, scoring 57 points in Game 1, the third-highest single-game scoring total in playoff history. However, despite taking a 3-1 series lead, the Jazz faltered and ultimately lost to the Nuggets in a heartbreaking Game 7 buzzer-beater.
2019: Jazz Debut Dark Green "Earned" Uniform
The Utah Jazz, having qualified for the NBA playoffs, donned the "Earned" uniform in the 2019 season. This uniform, a privilege reserved for playoff teams from the previous season, closely resembled the "Statement" uniform but featured a dark green base and omitted navy elements.
2019: Utah Awarded 2023 NBA All-Star Game Hosting Rights
The announcement that Utah would host the 2023 NBA All-Star Game came on the opening day of the 2019-20 season. This marked the second time the Jazz would have the honor of hosting this prestigious event, the first being in 1993.
January 30, 2020: Gobert and Mitchell Earn All-Star Selections, Marking Historic Moment for Jazz
Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were named reserves for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game on January 30, 2020, marking a significant achievement for the Utah Jazz. This selection represented the first time since 2007 that the Jazz had multiple players chosen for the All-Star game and the first time since 2000 that multiple Jazz players actually took the court in the game.
March 2020: Gobert and Mitchell's COVID-19 Diagnoses Halt NBA Season
The Utah Jazz became the first major North American sports franchise directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 when Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the virus. Their diagnoses led to the suspension of the NBA season.
October 28, 2020: Ryan Smith Purchases Utah Jazz
On October 28, 2020, Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, bought the Utah Jazz from the Miller family, agreeing to keep the team in Utah.
December 20, 2020: Gobert Signs Historic Contract Extension with Jazz
Rudy Gobert solidified his commitment to the Utah Jazz on December 20, 2020, by signing a five-year, $205 million contract extension. This deal marked the third-largest contract in NBA history at the time and set a new record for the largest contract ever awarded to a center.
2020: Utah Jazz Achieve the League's Best Regular Season Record
The Utah Jazz achieved the NBA's best regular season record in the 2020-2021 season, fueled by the performance of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
2020: Jazz Extend Deal with AT&T SportsNet
The Utah Jazz signed a one-year extension with AT&T SportsNet to continue broadcasting games in 2020.
February 17, 2021: Quin Snyder Coaches Western Conference All-Star Team
On February 17, 2021, Quin Snyder was chosen to coach the Western Conference All-Star team, the first Jazz coach to do so since Frank Layden in 1984.
February 24, 2021: Elijah Millsap Makes Racism Allegations Against Dennis Lindsey
On February 24, 2021, former Jazz player Elijah Millsap accused then-general manager Dennis Lindsey of making racist comments in 2015. An investigation found no evidence to support the claims.
April 16, 2021: Dwyane Wade Becomes Minority Owner
On April 16, 2021, Dwyane Wade bought a minority stake in the Utah Jazz and was expected to be involved in team operations.
May 16, 2021: Jazz Clinch Best Regular Season Record
The Utah Jazz secured the best regular season record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history on May 16, 2021, after defeating the Sacramento Kings.
2021: Utah Jazz Experience Early Playoff Exit
Despite having a strong regular season, the Utah Jazz faced a disappointing early exit from the 2021 NBA playoffs.
2021: Nike Introduces Classic Wordmark Logo for Uniforms
Nike introduced a classic wordmark logo for use on "Classic" edition uniforms in 2021.
2021: Jazz Sport Light Kelly Green "Earned" Uniform
The Utah Jazz, once again playoff contenders, sported a light Kelly green "Earned" uniform in 2021. This iteration of the "Earned" uniform paid homage to the team's early 1980s green uniforms and incorporated distinct striping patterns.
June 5, 2022: Quin Snyder Resigns as Head Coach
On June 5, 2022, Quin Snyder resigned from his position as head coach of the Utah Jazz.
July 1, 2022: Rudy Gobert Traded to Timberwolves
On July 1, 2022, the Utah Jazz traded center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for a package of players and draft picks.
August 25, 2022: Patrick Beverley Traded to Lakers
On August 25, 2022, the Utah Jazz traded guard Patrick Beverley to the Los Angeles Lakers.
September 1, 2022: Donovan Mitchell Traded to Cavaliers
On September 1, 2022, The Utah Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, and future draft assets.
2022: Utah Jazz Trade Key Players, Entering Rebuilding Phase
Following another early playoff exit, the Utah Jazz initiated a rebuilding phase in 2022 by trading key players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, signaling a shift in the team's direction.
2022: Jazz Unveil New Uniforms, Bring Back Purple "Mountain" Design
In anticipation of the 2022–23 season, the Utah Jazz unveiled a set of new uniforms. As part of this transition, the team reintroduced the classic 1996–2004 purple "mountain" uniforms as their "City" uniform. The new lineup also included "Statement" black, "Icon" yellow, and "Association" white uniforms.
2022: Jazz Explore Alternate Broadcast Options
The Utah Jazz began exploring alternate broadcast options in 2022.
2022: Jazz Games Continue on AT&T SportsNet
The Utah Jazz continued to air games on AT&T SportsNet into the 2022-23 season.
2022: Jazz Reintroduce Purple Uniforms as "City" Edition
The Utah Jazz reintroduced their purple uniforms in 2022 but as a "City" edition uniform, featuring the Nike swoosh logo instead of the classic wordmark.
February 2, 2023: Lauri Markkanen Named All-Star
Lauri Markkanen was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game as a reserve on February 2, 2023. He was later named a starter due to injuries to other players.
February 8, 2023: Jazz Trade for Russell Westbrook
The Utah Jazz executed a three-team trade on February 8, 2023, that landed them Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Damian Jones. Westbrook was later bought out of his contract.
February 2023: Warner Bros. Discovery to Shut Down AT&T SportsNet
Warner Bros. Discovery announced in February 2023 that they would be shutting down AT&T SportsNet.
2023: End of 2023-2024 Regular Season Statistics
Statistics for the Utah Jazz's 2023-2024 regular season were finalized at the end of the season in 2023.
2023: Utah to Host Second NBA All-Star Game
The 2023 NBA All-Star Game will mark the second time Utah has hosted this event. The state previously hosted the game in 1993.
2023: Jazz to Wear Original Purple Uniforms for 50th Anniversary
The Utah Jazz announced they would wear their original purple uniforms from 1974-75 for their 50th anniversary season in 2023-24 as a part of their #PurpleIsBack marketing campaign.
2023: Jazz to Introduce "Remixed" Version of "Mountain" Uniforms
The Utah Jazz took to social media to announce the upcoming debut of a "remixed" version of their "mountain" uniforms for the 2023–24 season. This updated design features revamped mountain gradients, a larger "Utah" wordmark on the front, and white numbers repositioned on the left chest, replacing the classic 1996–2004 version.
April 3, 2024: Last Roster Transaction
The Utah Jazz made their last roster transaction on April 3, 2024.
2024: End of 2023-2024 Regular Season
The Utah Jazz's 2023-2024 regular season concluded in 2024.
