Austin Ainge Leaves Celtics for Utah Jazz President Role

Austin Ainge has been hired as the Utah Jazz's new president of basketball operations, reuniting with his father, Danny Ainge, who serves as the team's CEO. Austin spent 17 years with the Boston Celtics, including six as assistant general manager, where he played a key role in scouting, drafting, and player development that contributed to multiple playoff runs and a recent NBA Finals victory. His move to Utah marks a significant shift for the Celtics, who now face major offseason challenges including salary cap management and roster adjustments with key players sidelined. Jazz owner Ryan Smith praised Austin as a bright and strategic basketball executive ready to lead the organization, emphasizing the timing as ideal with coach Will Hardy locked in long-term. This transition signifies a new era for both franchises, as the Jazz bolster their front office leadership while the Celtics prepare for potential structural changes amid an ownership transition. Austin's departure closes a notable chapter linked to the Ainge family's influential presence in Boston basketball operations over two decades.