Brian Windhorst Says Utah Jazz Aren’t Rebuilding, Intend To “Turn It Up”
Jun 15, 2025, 4:54 PM
Austin Ainge, president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz, speaks during an introductory media availability with Utah Jazz Governor Ryan Smith, left, at Zions Bank Basketball Campus in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Austin Ainge hiring immediately raised an interesting question for the Utah Jazz: Will the team look to make a big splash or fully bottom out for next year’s draft?
NBA Insider Brian Windhorst said on SportsCenter that Utah is now looking to “turn it up.”
— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) June 15, 2025
“There’s not anybody in the Western Conference who is really rebuilding right now,” Windhorst said. “Everyone’s kind of got the gas put down. Including the Jazz, they are intending to try to turn it up.”
Most people assumed that the Jazz would look to trade some veterans and bottom out next year, but Windhorst hinted that they may be looking in the opposite direction.
Will Jazz Finally Go Big Game Hunting?
Several big-name stars are being floated in trade rumors — including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Jaylen Brown, Trae Young, and Zion Williamson.
It’s a blockbuster list at first glance. But when you dig into the context, many of these rumors lose their steam.
- Antetokounmpo hasn’t requested a trade, and Milwaukee is content to stand pat — at least until the former MVP forces their hand.
- Durant has reportedly narrowed his preferred destinations to Miami, Houston, and San Antonio — the only teams he’d commit to long-term.
- Memphis just traded Desmond Bane to Orlando, but that deal was almost too good to pass up. Whether Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. are actually available remains unclear.
- Due to Jayson Tatum’s injury, the Celtics will not be contending next year. They could trade Brown and retool, but that is also far from guaranteed.
- Young is a supremely talented offensive player. He’s also possibly the worst perimeter defender in the NBA. For a team like Utah, already dealing with defensive woes, the fit isn’t ideal.
- Between injuries and off-court issues, Williamson’s value is at an all-time low. The Pelicans likely won’t give the kind of discount other teams are hoping for.
That said, every player mentioned — and several others — would undoubtedly raise the Jazz’s ceiling. With Ainge stepping in and Windhorst’s report, Utah could look to be more aggressive on the trade front than ever before.
Brian Windhorst said the Jazz are looking to “turn it up.” 👀
Is Utah erring more on the side of buying than bottoming out?? pic.twitter.com/0827ifPNft
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) June 15, 2025
Buy Now Or Bottom Out?
There’s no doubt that last season hurt, both for the fans and the front office.
Something that is relatively unknown is the tolerance of the organization. In 2026, the Jazz’s pick is top-8 protected. If No. 9 or lower, it will go to OKC. Not to mention, next year’s class is rumored to be even better than this year’s.
Point stands, can the team stomach another dreadful season?
Another point of concern: if the Jazz do make a big splash, will it really open the door to anything more than a playoff appearance and early exit? Yes, there is value to establishing a winning culture. But Ryan Smith and the Jazz higher-ups have reinforced that the goal is to win championships.
There is one thing that is pretty clear through all of this smoke. This offseason will be one of the most active in league history, and the Jazz are looking to play a big part in it.
