The Utah Jazz are enduring a difficult season. They currently hold an 18-37 record and are 13th in the Western Conference. Playoff hopes appear remote at this stage
Compounding matters, the NBA has issued a $500,000 fine against the franchise. Team owner Ryan Smith has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision.
NBA Fines Jazz $500,000 for Tanking; Ryan Smith Responds
The NBA announced on Thursday that the Jazz were penalized for “conduct detrimental to the league.” The issue stems from two games that drew scrutiny across the league.
During matchups against Orlando on Feb. 7 and Miami on Feb. 9, the Jazz removed two of their leading players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., before the start of the fourth quarter.
Neither player returned to the floor. The league said both were healthy and available to continue, but the team opted to sit them. The NBA interpreted the move as a possible attempt to diminish the team’s chances of winning.
The announcement quickly spread across social media. Smith responded with a post that drew further attention.
“Agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense,” Smith wrote on X.
🙄 agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense … https://t.co/sHQrggB2Xa
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) February 13, 2026
Tanking refers to when a team deliberately loses games to improve its draft position. A weaker record increases the likelihood of securing a top prospect.
Smith’s objection centers on the fact that the Jazz won the game in question. Utah trailed by six points after the first quarter but gained momentum in the second, leading by nine at halftime. In the second half, the Jazz scored 54 points and defeated the Heat 115-111.
Before being removed, Markkanen had scored 17 points through three quarters, while Jackson had added 22.
Earlier Thursday, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Jackson is expected to miss the rest of the season as he undergoes surgery on his left knee, a move aimed at protecting his long-term health after a localized PVNS growth was found following the trade. Later, The Athletic’s Tony Jones noted the Jazz were aware of Jackson’s knee issue and had planned to shut him down, but the newly acquired forward insisted he wanted to suit up at home once before the procedure.
For now, the fine remains in place, and the Jazz continue to face challenges both on and off the court. It is unclear whether the NBA will issue further comment in response to Smith’s remarks.
Utah has a clear incentive to drop games this season, since the team owes the Oklahoma City Thunder a top-eight protected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
