History of Utah Jazz in Timeline

The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, competing in the NBA's Western Conference, Northwest Division. Established in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz, paying homage to the city's jazz music heritage, the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 1979. Since the 1991-92 season, their home games have been played at the Delta Center.

1970: Utah Stars ABA

From 1970 to 1976 Salt Lake City was home to the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

June 7, 1974: New Orleans Jazz Admitted to NBA

On June 7, 1974, the New Orleans Jazz were admitted as an expansion franchise into the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1974: New Orleans Jazz Expansion Team

In 1974, the franchise began as an expansion team in the 1974–75 season as the New Orleans Jazz, a tribute to New Orleans' history of originating jazz music.

December 1975: Utah Stars Shut Down

In December 1975, The Utah Stars were shut down by the league 16 games into the 1975–76 season after missing payroll.

1976: Utah Stars ABA

From 1970 to 1976 Salt Lake City was home to the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

June 8, 1979: Jazz Relocation to Salt Lake City

On June 8, 1979, the New Orleans Jazz relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah.

June 1979: Attendance Decline After Move

In June 1979, The Jazz's attendance declined slightly after the team's move from New Orleans to Utah, partly because of a late approval for the move and also poor marketing in the Salt Lake City area.

1979: Keeping the Jazz Name

In 1979, The franchise kept the name despite the lack of a jazz music scene in Utah, as there was not enough time before the start of the 1979–80 season to receive league approval for a name change.

1981: Tom Nissalke Departs as Coach

In 1981, Tom Nissalke departed as coach after the Jazz started the 1981–82 season 8–12, and general manager Frank Layden replaced him.

1983: First Winning Season and Division Championship

In 1983, the Utah Jazz had their first winning season and division championship with a 45-37 record, winning the Midwest Division.

1984: Jazz Draft John Stockton

In 1984, the Jazz drafted John Stockton, an unknown guard at the time, in the first round of the NBA draft, which was met with boos from fans.

1984: First Playoff Appearance

In 1984, the Jazz qualified for their first playoff appearance.

1984: Mark Eaton's Emergence

In the 1984–85 season, Mark Eaton emerged as a defensive force, averaging 5.6 blocks per game and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

April 1985: Larry H. Miller Buys 50% of the Team

In April 1985, auto dealer Larry H. Miller bought 50% of the team from Battistone for $8 million, stabilizing the team's financial situation.

1985: Darrell Griffith Misses Season

In 1985, Darrell Griffith missed the season with a stress fracture, impacting the team's performance.

1985: Jazz Draft Karl Malone

In the 1985 NBA draft, the Jazz drafted Louisiana Tech forward Karl Malone, who made an immediate impact in the 1985–86 season.

1986: Adrian Dantley Traded to Detroit

In 1986, Adrian Dantley, the team's star player, was traded to Detroit for Kelly Tripucka.

1986: Larry Miller Buys Remaining 50% of Team

In 1986, Larry Miller stepped in at the last minute, purchasing Battistone's remaining 50% of the Jazz for $14 million, keeping the team in Utah.

1987: Stockton Becomes Starting Point Guard

In the 1987–88 season, Stockton took over for Rickey Green as the starting point guard, and Malone established himself as one of the better power forwards in the league.

1988: Jerry Sloan Replaces Frank Layden as Head Coach

During the 1988–89 season, Frank Layden stepped down as head coach of the Jazz after the first 17 games, and was replaced by Jerry Sloan.

1988: Jerry Sloan Takes Over as Coach

In 1988, Jerry Sloan took over as coach from Frank Layden.

1989: Jazz Made Changes

In 1989-90, the Jazz made some changes. Thurl Bailey saw his playing time reduced in favor of rookie Blue Edwards

1989: Jazz Win Midwest Division Championship

The Jazz went 55–27 and won the Midwest Division championship for the first time since 1989.

1990: Jazz Execute Three-Way Trade

For the 1990–91 season, the Jazz made another move to improve the team by executing a three-way trade that brought shooting guard Jeff Malone to Utah from the Washington Bullets.

1991: The Utah Jazz moved to the Delta Center

In 1991–92 season, the team has played its home games at the Delta Center.

1991: Jazz Move to Delta Center

The 1991–92 season proved to be the most successful in team history to that time. The Jazz moved to the Delta Center, a state-of-the-art arena that featured a seating capacity of 19,911.

1992: NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City

The bright spot for the 1992-93 season was the hosting of the NBA All-Star Game and the surrounding events of All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.

1993: Jazz Trade Jeff Malone for Jeff Hornacek

During the 1993–94 season, the Jazz traded Jeff Malone to the Philadelphia 76ers for shooting guard Jeff Hornacek.

1994: Minnesota Timberwolves Almost Moved

In 1994, the Minnesota Timberwolves expansion franchise, founded by Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner, was almost sold and moved to New Orleans.

1994: Jazz face setback with Spencer's injury

In 1994, the Utah Jazz experienced a setback when starter Spencer suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon 34 games into the season. Despite this, the Jazz finished the season with a 60–22 record, but they were defeated by Houston in the first round of the playoffs, losing 3–2.

1995: Jazz reach Conference Finals but lose to Seattle

In 1995, Greg Ostertag joined the team and the Jazz achieved a 55-27 record, reaching the Conference Finals for the third time. They nearly overcame a 3-1 series deficit before losing to Seattle 4-3.

1996: Jazz achieve franchise record, Malone wins MVP

In 1996, the Jazz achieved the best record in franchise history with 64 wins and 18 losses, securing the Midwest Division title and the top record in the Western Conference. Karl Malone also won his first NBA MVP award, averaging 27.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

1997: Stockton suffers knee injury

In 1997, as the season neared, John Stockton suffered a serious knee injury and missed the first 18 games. During this time, the Jazz went 11-7.

1997: First NBA Finals Appearance

In 1997, the Jazz made their first NBA Finals appearance, losing to the Chicago Bulls.

February 17, 1998: Failed trade with Orlando Magic

On February 17, 1998, the Jazz attempted to acquire Rony Seikaly from the Orlando Magic to strengthen their center rotation. However, the trade was called off after Seikaly refused to report within the NBA-mandated 48-hour period. Chris Morris and Greg Foster returned to the Jazz, and Seikaly was later traded to the New Jersey Nets.

1998: Jazz lose to Bulls in NBA Finals

In 1998, the Jazz faced the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. They took Game 1 in overtime but ultimately lost the series 4-2 after Michael Jordan's game-winning shot in Game 6.

1998: Second NBA Finals Appearance

In 1998, the Jazz made their second NBA Finals appearance, losing to the Chicago Bulls.

1999: Jazz finish with top record, Malone wins MVP

In 1999, during a lockout-shortened season, the Jazz finished with a 37-13 record, tied for the best in the league. They defeated the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the playoffs but lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round. Karl Malone was awarded his second MVP award.

1999: Jazz finish the season 55-27

In 1999, the Jazz finished the season with a 55-27 and won the Midwest Division. However, the Jazz lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round.

2000: Jazz lose to Mavericks in playoffs

In 2000, the Jazz posted a 53-29 record but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks 3-2 after surrendering a 2-0 series lead.

2000: Jazz draft DeShawn Stevenson

In 2000, the Jazz selected DeShawn Stevenson in the first round of the NBA draft. During the off-season, Jeff Hornacek retired and Howard Eisley was traded in a four-team deal that brought in Donyell Marshall.

2001: Kirilenko's rookie debut

In 2001, Andrei Kirilenko made his rookie debut for the Jazz, averaging 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.91 blocks per game. The team finished the season with a 44-38 record.

2002: Jazz acquire Matt Harpring

In 2002, Matt Harpring joined the Jazz and took over the starting forward spot, averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 rebounds. The Jazz finished the season with a 47-35 record and lost to the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the playoffs 4-1.

2002: NBA Returns to New Orleans

In 2002, The NBA would return to New Orleans when the Charlotte Hornets relocated to become the New Orleans Hornets.

2003: Stockton and Malone depart

In 2003, both Stockton and Malone moved on from the Jazz.

2003: Jazz miss playoffs, Kirilenko makes All-Star Game

In 2003, without Malone and Stockton, the Jazz finished with a 42-40 record and missed the playoffs by one game. Andrei Kirilenko was selected to the All-Star Game and Jerry Sloan finished second in the voting for NBA Coach of the Year Award.

2004: End of Playoff Streak

In 2004, the Jazz missed the playoffs, ending a long streak since 1984.

2004: Jazz season marked by injuries

The 2004 season was marked by injuries and the team fell to the bottom of the division. Carlos Boozer averaged 17.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 51 games.

2005: Jazz draft Deron Williams, Ostertag retires

In 2005, the Utah Jazz drafted Deron Williams with the third overall pick, but faced injuries to key players. The Jazz narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing 41-41, and Greg Ostertag retired.

2006: Jazz acquire draft picks and Derek Fisher, advance to Western Conference Finals

In 2006, the Jazz had strong draft picks and a trade for Derek Fisher, finishing the season with a 51-31 record. Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur were named All-Stars, and the Jazz advanced to the Western Conference Finals but were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs.

2007: Jazz acquire Kyle Korver, Fisher leaves team, Kirilenko's trade request

In 2007, the Jazz dealt with several off-court issues, including Andrei Kirilenko's trade request and Derek Fisher's departure. However, they acquired Kyle Korver and finished with a 54-28 record, defeating Houston in the playoffs before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round.

2008: Injuries and death of team owner

In 2008, the Jazz's season was affected by injuries to key players such as Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mehmet Okur, as well as the death of team owner Larry H. Miller. Despite finishing with a 48-34 record, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Lakers.

2009: Jazz draft Eric Maynor and add Wesley Matthews, Williams makes All-Star appearance

In 2009, the Jazz drafted Eric Maynor and added Wesley Matthews. Deron Williams made his first All-Star appearance and the Jazz finished the season 53-29. After defeating Denver in the first round of the playoffs, they were swept by the Lakers.

July 7, 2010: Boozer signs with Chicago Bulls

On July 7, 2010, Carlos Boozer signed a five-year, $80 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, which was later converted into a sign-and-trade, giving Utah a $13 million trade exception. The Bulls also signed Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews joined the Portland Trail Blazers.

2010: Jazz rebrand with music note logo

In 2010, the Jazz rebranded, reverting to their "music note" logo and introducing new uniforms. Kyrylo Fesenko accepted a qualifying offer and Francisco Elson and Earl Watson joined the team.

2010: Jazz Restructuring Begins

Partway through the 2010–11 season, the Jazz began restructuring after Sloan retired.

February 10, 2011: Jerry Sloan resigns as head coach

On February 10, 2011, Jerry Sloan resigned as head coach and was replaced by Tyrone Corbin. Jeff Hornacek joined as an assistant coach.

February 23, 2011: Jazz trade Deron Williams

On February 23, 2011, the Jazz traded Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and two first-round picks. The Jazz missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006, finishing the season 39–43.

2012: Jazz trade Devin Harris for Marvin Williams

During the 2012 offseason, the Jazz traded Devin Harris for Marvin Williams. Dennis Lindsey became general manager.

June 27, 2013: Jazz acquire Rudy Gobert in NBA draft

On June 27, 2013, the Utah Jazz acquired Rudy Gobert via a trade with the Denver Nuggets during the 2013 NBA draft.

2013: Millsap and Jefferson leave in free agency

During 2013 offseason Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson left in free agency. Jeff Hornacek became head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

March 14, 2014: Jazz eliminated from playoff contention

On March 14, 2014, the Utah Jazz were officially eliminated from playoff contention following a 96-87 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

May 20, 2014: Jazz draft Exum and Hood

On May 20, 2014, the Jazz drafted Dante Exum with the 5th pick and Rodney Hood with the 23rd pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

June 6, 2014: Quin Snyder named head coach

On June 6, 2014, Quin Snyder was named the eighth head coach in Utah Jazz history, replacing Tyrone Corbin.

June 2014: Quin Snyder Hired as Head Coach

In June 2014, Quin Snyder was hired as head coach of the Utah Jazz.

2015: Jazz fail to qualify to play in the NBA Playoffs

In 2015, the Jazz failed to qualify to play in the NBA Playoffs by one game, ending the season with a win–loss record of 40–42.

June 22, 2017: Jazz acquire Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio

On June 22, 2017, Donovan Mitchell was drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the 13th overall pick and then traded to the Jazz for Trey Lyles. The Jazz also acquired Ricky Rubio to play point guard.

July 4, 2017: Gordon Hayward signs with Boston Celtics

On July 4, 2017, Gordon Hayward announced his decision to leave the Jazz and sign with the Boston Celtics as a free agent. He published his decision in a letter via The Players' Tribune.

July 14, 2017: Gordon Hayward's contract finalized

On July 14, 2017, Gordon Hayward's contract with the Boston Celtics was finalized after his announcement to leave the Jazz.

May 10, 2019: Jazz promote Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik

On May 10, 2019, the Jazz announced the promotion of Dennis Lindsey to executive vice president of basketball operations and Justin Zanik to general manager.

December 24, 2019: Jazz waive Jeff Green and trade Dante Exum

On December 24, 2019, the Jazz waived Jeff Green, signed G-League free agent Rayjon Tucker, and traded Dante Exum to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Clarkson, a move positively received by the media but bittersweet for fans.

January 30, 2020: Gobert and Mitchell named All-Star reserves

On January 30, 2020, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were selected as reserves for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first time since 2007 that multiple Jazz players were selected and the first time since 2000 that multiple Jazz players would appear in the game.

March 2020: Gobert and Mitchell diagnosed with COVID-19

In March 2020, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for COVID-19, making the Jazz the first major North American sports franchise to be directly affected by the pandemic and leading to the suspension of the NBA season.

October 28, 2020: Ryan Smith purchases the Utah Jazz

On October 28, 2020, the Utah Jazz organization announced that Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, had purchased the team from the Miller family.

December 20, 2020: Rudy Gobert signs contract extension

On December 20, 2020, Rudy Gobert signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension, becoming the third-largest contract in NBA history and the largest ever for a center.

2020: League's Best Regular Season Record

In the 2020–21 season, the Jazz earned the league's best regular season record.

February 17, 2021: Quin Snyder to coach Western Conference All-Stars

On February 17, 2021, Quin Snyder was announced as the head coach of the Western Conference team for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, making him the first Jazz coach since Frank Layden in 1984 to receive this honor.

February 24, 2021: Elijah Millsap alleges racist remark by Dennis Lindsey

On February 24, 2021, former Jazz forward Elijah Millsap claimed that Dennis Lindsey made a racist comment during a 2015 interview, leading to an investigation by the Jazz organization.

April 16, 2021: Dwyane Wade purchases minority stake in the Jazz

On April 16, 2021, the Jazz announced that Dwyane Wade had purchased a minority ownership stake in the team, planning to be actively involved in team operations.

May 16, 2021: Jazz clinch best regular season record; Clarkson wins Sixth Man of the Year

On May 16, 2021, the Jazz secured the best regular season record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history after defeating the Sacramento Kings 121-99. Jordan Clarkson also became the first Jazz player to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.

2021: Early Playoff Exit

In 2021, the Jazz had a disappointing early playoff exit.

June 5, 2022: Quin Snyder resigns as Jazz head coach

On June 5, 2022, Quin Snyder announced his resignation from his position as the head coach of the Utah Jazz.

July 1, 2022: Jazz trade Rudy Gobert to Timberwolves

On July 1, 2022, the Jazz traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, four future first-round draft picks, and a pick swap.

August 25, 2022: Jazz trade Patrick Beverley to Lakers

On August 25, 2022, Patrick Beverley was traded from the Jazz to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Stanley Johnson and Talen Horton-Tucker.

September 1, 2022: Jazz trade Donovan Mitchell to Cavaliers

On September 1, 2022, the Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three future unprotected first-round draft picks, and two pick swaps.

2022: Mitchell and Gobert Traded

Following disappointing early playoff exits in both 2021 and 2022, the Jazz traded Mitchell and Gobert in the 2022 offseason and entered a new era of rebuilding.

2022: Jazz Explore Alternate Broadcast Solutions

In 2022, the Utah Jazz began exploring alternative broadcast solutions.

February 2, 2023: Lauri Markkanen selected as All-Star reserve

On February 2, 2023, Lauri Markkanen was selected as a reserve for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection.

February 2023: Warner Bros. Discovery Announces AT&T SportsNet Shutdown

In February 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery, the owners of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, announced they would cease operations of AT&T SportsNet. The Utah Jazz also announced a return to KJZZ-TV for the 2023-24 season and a streaming service called Jazz+ in partnership with Kiswe.

2024: SEG+ Streaming Hub Debut

In 2024, the streaming service Jazz+ became part of a streaming hub known as SEG+ with the debuting of the Utah Hockey Club (since named the Utah Mammoth) under similar broadcasting arrangements.

2025: Jazz+ Coverage Extends into Root Sports Territories

As a result of Root Sports' impending shutdown at the end of 2025, Jazz+ coverage will extend into territories formerly served by the channel for the start of the 2025–26 season.