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. Founded 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, the Jazz have played their home games at the Delta Center. The Utah Jazz are a prominent sports team.

June 7, 1974: New Orleans Jazz admitted to the NBA

On June 7, 1974, the New Orleans Jazz were officially admitted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion franchise, with Sam Battistone leading the ownership group. The team's name was chosen to represent collective improvisation, and its colors were purple, gold, and green.

June 8, 1979: Jazz Relocation to Salt Lake City

On June 8, 1979, the New Orleans Jazz relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, marking a significant change in the team's history and location.

June 1979: Jazz attendance decline after move to Utah

After the move from New Orleans to Utah in June 1979, the Jazz experienced a slight decline in attendance, attributed to the late approval of the move and insufficient marketing efforts in the Salt Lake City area.

1984: First Jazz Coach to Coach Western Conference All-Star Team Since 1984

On February 17, 2021, head coach Quin Snyder was announced as the head coach of the Western Conference team for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Jazz coach so honored since Frank Layden in 1984.

April 1985: Larry H. Miller buys 50% of the team

In April 1985, Larry H. Miller, an auto dealer, acquired 50% of the Utah Jazz from Sam Battistone for $8 million, contributing to the stabilization of the team's financial situation.

1989: Second Time in Franchise History That Three Jazz Players Had Been Selected as All-Stars

On March 5, 2021, Mike Conley was selected as an All-Star reserve for the first time in his career, replacing the injured Devin Booker. This marked the second time in franchise history (the first being 1989 with John Stockton, Karl Malone, and Mark Eaton) that three Jazz players had been selected as All-Stars.

1993: First Time Jazz Hosted All-Star Game

In 1993, the Utah Jazz hosted the NBA All-Star Game for the first time.

1994: Jazz face setback with Spencer's injury, lose to Houston in playoffs

In 1994, the Jazz faced a significant setback when Spencer suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon 34 games into the season. Despite this, the Jazz finished the season with a 60-22 record but lost to Houston in the first round of the playoffs, 3-2.

1995: Jazz add Greg Ostertag, reach Conference Finals

In 1995, Greg Ostertag joined the Jazz. The team finished with a 55-27 record and reached the Conference Finals for the third time in franchise history, where they lost to Seattle, 4-3, after nearly overcoming a 3-1 series deficit.

1996: Jazz achieve best record in franchise history; Malone wins MVP

In 1996, the Jazz achieved the best record in franchise history at 64-18, winning the Midwest Division and finishing with the best 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 before the season

As the 1997 season neared, John Stockton suffered a serious knee injury and missed the first 18 games, during which the Jazz went 11-7. The Jazz were expected to be contenders for the championship.

February 17, 1998: Jazz trade for Rony Seikaly falls through

On February 17, 1998, the Jazz attempted to acquire center Rony Seikaly from the Orlando Magic to strengthen their center rotation. However, the trade was called off when Seikaly refused to report within the required 48 hours due to NBA rules and the Jazz took Chris Morris & Greg Foster back. After the trade was off, Orlando traded Seikaly to the New Jersey Nets.

1998: Jazz lose to Bulls in 1998 NBA Finals

In the 1998 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls, the Jazz lost the series 4-2. After taking Game 1, the Bulls rallied to win the series, with Michael Jordan making the game-winning shot in Game 6.

1998: Jazz tied for the best record in 1998.

On May 16, 2021, the Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 121–99 to clinch sole possession of the best regular season record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history. The Jazz had tied for the best record in 1998.

1999: Jazz finish 55-27 and win Midwest Division

During the 1999-2000 season, the Jazz finished with a 55-27 record and won the Midwest Division, but again lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the playoffs.

1999: Jazz finish with best record in league, Malone wins MVP

In the lockout-shortened 1999 season, the Jazz finished 37-13, tied with the Spurs for the best record in the league. They were defeated in the second round of the playoffs by the Portland Trail Blazers, but Karl Malone was awarded his second MVP award.

1999: Jazz tied for the best record in 1999.

2000: Jazz draft DeShawn Stevenson

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

2000: Jazz post 53-29 record

In the 2000-01 season, the Jazz posted a 53-29 record, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks, surrendering a 2-0 series lead to lose the series 3-2.

2000: First Time Since 2000 That Multiple Jazz Players Had Actually Appeared in the Game

On January 30, 2020, Gobert and Mitchell were named reserves for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. This marked the first time since 2000 that multiple Jazz players had actually appeared in the game (Mehmet Okur had replaced an injured Carlos Boozer in 2007).

2001: Andrei Kirilenko makes rookie debut

In the 2001-02 season, Andrei Kirilenko made his rookie debut, averaging 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.91 blocks per game.

2002: Matt Harpring joins Jazz, has career year

Prior to the 2002-03 season, Matt Harpring joined the Jazz from the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, the best numbers of his career.

2003: Jazz miss playoffs after Malone and Stockton depart

In 2003, without Malone and Stockton, the Jazz were expected to finish near the bottom of the NBA. Despite a 42-40 record, the team missed the playoffs by one game. Jerry Sloan finished second in the voting for the NBA Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Jazz struggles marked by injuries

The 2004-05 season was marked by injuries to Arroyo, Raúl López, Boozer, and Kirilenko, leading to the team's struggles. When healthy, Boozer averaged 17.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 51 games.

2005: Jazz draft Deron Williams

In 2005, the Utah Jazz acquired Deron Williams with the third overall draft pick. Veteran Greg Ostertag retired. The team narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing 41–41.

2006: Jazz improve play but lose to Spurs in Western Conference Finals

Improved play in the 2006-07 season saw the Jazz finish 51-31 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals but were overpowered by the San Antonio Spurs, who later won the NBA championship.

2007: Controversy surrounds Kirilenko; Fisher departs

In 2007, controversy arose after Kirilenko's EuroBasket 2007 win and his subsequent trade request. Derek Fisher was allowed to walk off the team due to his daughter's cancer diagnosis. The Jazz secured a 54-28 record in 2007-08.

2007: First Time Since 2007 Multiple Utah Jazz Players Had Been Selected to the All-Star game

On January 30, 2020, Gobert and Mitchell were named reserves for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. This marked the first time since 2007 that multiple Utah Jazz players had been selected to the All-Star game

2008: Jazz finish 48-34 amid injuries and owner's death

The 2008-09 season was marred by injuries to stars like Williams, Boozer, and Okur, alongside the death of team owner Larry H. Miller. Despite a strong home record, they finished 48-34 and were eliminated in the first playoff round by the Lakers. Deron Williams averaged 19.4 points and 10.8 assists.

2009: Jazz draft Eric Maynor; Williams makes All-Star appearance

In 2009, the Jazz drafted Eric Maynor and added undrafted rookie Wesley Matthews. The Jazz concluded the 2009–10 season 53–29. Deron Williams made his first All-Star appearance. The Jazz overcame Denver in the first round, but were swept by the Lakers.

July 7, 2010: Boozer signs with Bulls

On July 7, 2010, Carlos Boozer signed a five-year, $80 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, later converted into a sign-and-trade yielding Utah a $13 million trade exception.

2010: Jazz rebrand with new logo and uniforms

In 2010, the Jazz rebranded, reverting to their "music note" logo and unveiling new uniforms. Restricted free-agent Kyrylo Fesenko accepted a $1 million qualifying offer, while Francisco Elson and Earl Watson joined for the 2010–11 season.

2010: First Playoff Series Win Since 2010

In 2010, the Utah Jazz had their first playoff series win since 2010 by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games in the first round.

February 10, 2011: Jerry Sloan resigns as head coach

On February 10, 2011, longtime head coach Jerry Sloan resigned from his position. He was replaced by Tyrone Corbin, while Jeff Hornacek joined as an assistant coach.

February 23, 2011: Jazz trade Deron Williams to Nets

On February 23, 2011, the Jazz traded star Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and two first-round picks. Concerns about retaining Williams long-term influenced the trade.

2012: Jazz trade Devin Harris for Marvin Williams

During the 2012 offseason, the Jazz traded Devin Harris for Marvin Williams and selected Kevin Murphy in the draft. Dennis Lindsey became general manager.

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

On June 27, 2013, Rudy Gobert was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, and was later traded on draft night to the Utah Jazz.

2013: Millsap and Jefferson leave in free agency

Before the 2013-14 season, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson left in free agency, joining Atlanta and Charlotte, respectively.

March 14, 2014: Jazz officially eliminated from playoff contention

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

May 20, 2014: Jazz select Dante Exum and Rodney Hood in 2014 NBA draft

On May 20, 2014, the Jazz earned the 5th pick in the 2014 NBA draft and selected Dante Exum. With the 23rd pick, they selected Rodney Hood.

June 6, 2014: Quin Snyder named head coach

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

June 2014: Quin Snyder hired as head coach

In June 2014, Quin Snyder was appointed as the head coach of the Utah Jazz, marking a new chapter in the team's leadership.

2015: Alleged Racist Remark by Lindsey

On February 24, 2021, Elijah Millsap alleged that Dennis Lindsey had made a racist remark to him during an interview in 2015. Lindsey and Quin Snyder denied the allegations, and an NBA investigation found no proof of the comments.

2015: Jazz fail to qualify for NBA Playoffs

The Jazz ended the 2015-16 season with a 40-42 record but failed to qualify for the NBA Playoffs by one game.

2016: Jazz Finish 51-31 and Qualify for NBA Playoffs

In 2016, the Utah Jazz finished the season with a 51-31 record and qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the Western Conference's fifth seed.

June 22, 2017: Donovan Mitchell Drafted and Traded to Jazz

On June 22, 2017, Donovan Mitchell was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, and his rights were immediately traded to the Jazz for Trey Lyles. Also the Jazz acquired Ricky Rubio to play point guard.

July 4, 2017: Hayward Announces Departure to 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 in a letter published by The Players' Tribune.

July 14, 2017: Hayward's Contract Finalized with Celtics

On July 14, 2017, Gordon Hayward's contract with the Boston Celtics was finalized.

2017: Hayward and Gobert breakout seasons; Hayward named All-Star, Gobert named to NBA Defensive First Team and All NBA Second Team

In 2017, Gordon Hayward was named an NBA All-Star, and Rudy Gobert was named to the NBA Defensive First Team and All NBA Second Team.

2017: Beginning of 2017-18 Season

In 2017, the Jazz began the season with promise after the surprising success of the 2017–18 season.

2017: Jazz Struggle Early in 2017-18 Season

In 2017, the Utah Jazz started the 2017–18 season poorly, with an injury to Gobert and a lack of scoring, resulting in a 17–21 record by the end of December.

2018: Jazz Struggle in November 2018

By the end of November 2018, the Jazz had a record of 11–12 and were in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. Mitchell struggled with his shot and the team's record remained around the break-even mark in December 2018.

2018: Mitchell Leads Jazz to Playoffs; Gobert Named Defensive Player of the Year

In 2018, Donovan Mitchell became a starter and led the team in scoring, the Jazz improved, finishing 48-34. Rudy Gobert was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The team reached the playoffs, beating Oklahoma City Thunder before losing to Houston Rockets.

May 10, 2019: Lindsey Promoted, Zanik Named General Manager

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 Green, Sign Tucker, Trade Exum for Clarkson

On December 24, 2019, the Jazz announced that they had waived Jeff Green, signed G-League free agent Rayjon Tucker, and traded Dante Exum to the Cleveland Cavaliers for shooting guard Jordan Clarkson.

2019: Jazz Add Players in Off-Season

During the 2019 off-season, the Jazz added several players, including Jeff Green, Mike Conley Jr., Ed Davis, Bojan Bogdanović, and Emmanuel Mudiay, while Derrick Favors, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, Raul Neto, and Ricky Rubio left the team. Sports media viewed the changes as positive.

2019: Jazz Participate in NBA Bubble, Lose to Nuggets

Following the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season, the Jazz participated in the NBA Bubble. Donovan Mitchell had a high scoring playoff game with 57 points, but the Jazz lost to the Nuggets in overtime and then lost the series in game 7.

2019: Jazz Improve in New Year, Lose to Rockets in Playoffs

In 2019, Donovan Mitchell's performance improved, leading the Jazz to a 50–32 record and the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round 4-1.

2019: Utah to Host 2023 NBA All-Star Game

On the opening day of the 2019–20 season, a press conference was held, announcing that Utah would host the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. This marked the second time the Jazz would host the event.

January 30, 2020: Gobert and Mitchell Named All-Star Reserves

On January 30, 2020, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were named reserves for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first time since 2007 that multiple Jazz players had been selected.

March 2020: Gobert and Mitchell Diagnosed with COVID-19, NBA Season Suspended

In March 2020, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were diagnosed with COVID-19, leading to the suspension of all remaining NBA games of the season.

October 28, 2020: Ryan Smith Purchases the Utah Jazz

On October 28, 2020, Ryan Smith purchased the Utah Jazz from the Miller family, agreeing to keep the team in Utah.

December 20, 2020: Gobert Signs Contract Extension

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

2020: Jazz Start 2020-21 Season Strong

The Jazz began their 2020–21 season with an NBA-best and franchise-record 23–5 start, with Donovan Mitchell leading the team in scoring and Jordan Clarkson emerging as the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year.

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

February 24, 2021: Millsap Alleges Racist Remark by Lindsey

On February 24, 2021, Elijah Millsap alleged that Dennis Lindsey had made a racist remark to him during an interview in 2015. An investigation was launched and found no proof.

April 16, 2021: Dwyane Wade Purchases Minority Stake in Jazz

On April 16, 2021, the Jazz announced that Dwyane Wade had purchased a minority ownership stake in the team and was expected to have hands-on involvement in team operations.

May 16, 2021: Jazz Clinch Best Regular Season Record, Clarkson Named Sixth Man of the Year

On May 16, 2021, the Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings to clinch the best regular season record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history. Jordan Clarkson was named Sixth Man of the Year.

2021: Jazz Make Playoffs as 5th Seed, Lose to Mavericks

During the 2021–22 season, the Jazz regressed somewhat but still made the playoffs as a 5th seed with a 49-33 record. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the first round.

2021: Jazz Advance to Western Conference Semifinals

In 2021 NBA playoffs, the Jazz defeated the Memphis Grizzlies but were later eliminated by the Los Angeles Clippers.

June 5, 2022: Quin Snyder Resigns as Jazz Head Coach

On June 5, 2022, Quin Snyder announced his resignation as 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 multiple players and draft picks.

August 25, 2022: Beverley Traded to Lakers

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

September 1, 2022: Mitchell Traded to Cavaliers

On September 1, 2022, Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for multiple players and draft picks.

2022: Jazz explore alternate broadcast solutions

In 2022, The Jazz started exploring alternate broadcast solutions.

February 2, 2023: Markkanen Selected for All-Star Game

On February 2, 2023, Lauri Markkanen was selected to appear as a reserve in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, his first career All-Star selection.

February 2023: Warner Bros. Discovery announces winding down AT&T SportsNet

In February 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that they would wind down operations of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, prompting the Utah Jazz to seek alternate broadcast solutions.

2023: Utah to Host 2023 NBA All-Star Game

In 2023, Utah is scheduled to host the NBA All-Star Game, as announced during the opening day of the 2019-20 season. This event will be the second time the Jazz have hosted.

2024: SEG+ streaming hub debuts

In 2024, with the co-owned Utah Hockey Club debuting, the Jazz+ service became part of a streaming hub known as SEG+.

2025: Jazz+ coverage extends into territories formerly served by Root Sports

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