Jazz hire Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Jazz have hired a new president of basketball operations… and the name may sound familiar.

After 17 years with the Boston Celtics, Austin Ainge will join his father, Danny Ainge, in Utah.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Austin Ainge as our new president of basketball operations,” team governor Ryan Smith said. “Austin is one of the brightest minds in the NBA—his 17 years with the Celtics have given him incredible insight into every part of an organization. I’ve known Austin for 15 years, and I’ve watched him grow into an accomplished, innovative, and strategic basketball executive who’s ready to lead this organization.”

After playing in 101 games over four seasons at BYU from 2003-2007, the now 43-year-old Ainge began his NBA career in 2008 as a scout for the Celtics. He would go on to coach Boston’s G-League affiliate team for two seasons before joining the team’s front office where he would serve for another 14 seasons.

Ainge was key in assembling multiple Celtics rosters, helping to identify the draft selections of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, as well as the trade acquisitions of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White.

“This is an incredible opportunity to lead Utah Jazz basketball operations,” said Austin Ainge. “I couldn’t be more excited about the bright future of this organization. I look forward to partnering with Ryan and Ashley Smith and our other leaders within the Utah Jazz and will utilize my experience over the last 17 years building a championship-caliber organization. I have lived this my whole life, constantly studying teams, talent, chemistry and the selflessness necessary to win. I look forward to bringing that to Utah and am excited to give Jazz fans a lot to cheer about as we build our program back up.”

Ainge worked under his father, and Utah Jazz CEO, Danny Ainge, for over a decade in the Boston Celtics. Danny Ainge left the Celtics’ organization in 2021. Danny Ainge is remaining with the team as CEO, as is current general manager Justin Zanik.

“Austin is one of the most respected executives in the NBA because of his basketball prowess, experience, and work ethic and I am excited to partner with him on our shared goal of success for the Utah Jazz,” said Zanik.

The Jazz are coming off its worst season in franchise history with just 17 wins during the 2024-25 season. Utah fell to the fifth pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. Utah’s roster includes six recent first-round picks by the Jazz, and eight players under the age of 23.

Ainge will be formally introduced at a press conference this afternoon.