NBA Hands Utah Jazz Hefty Fine for Sitting Markkanen, Jackson Jr.

The Utah Jazz just got hit with the fine hammer from the NBA after their recent lineup decisions against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.

Per a release from the NBA, the Jazz have been fined $500,000 for conduct detrimental to the league after they decided to rest Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter.

The following came within an announcement from the league:

"The Utah Jazz organization has been fined $500,000 for conduct detrimental to the league related to the team's games against the Orlando Magic on Feb. 7 and the Miami Heat on Feb. 9. During those games, the Jazz removed two of the team's top players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson, Jr., before the beginning of the fourth quarter and did not return them to the game, even though these players were otherwise able to continue to play and the outcomes of the games were
thereafter in doubt."

The Jazz were one of two teams fined, as the Indiana Pacers would be dealt a bill of $100,000 due to what the league would label conduct that "undermines the foundation of NBA competition."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also had comments of his own attached to the league's decision to fine both the Jazz and the Pacers:

"Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games. Additionally, we are working with our Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct."

Jazz Fined Half a Million Dollars for Conduct Detrimental to the League

It's certainly an interesting decision coming from the league office to fine the Jazz for coaching decisions made throughout their two-game stretch on the road; one of those games being against the Heat where they actually wound up winning, 115-111.

The Jazz played both Markkanen and Jackson Jr. in 25 minutes throughout both of those outings, but sat them down heading into the fourth quarter. The move was criticized amongst fans and the media for a seemingly blatant tanking strategy done by the Jazz in order to better their draft lottery odds heading into this summer, and now the NBA has officially taken action.

Feb 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (20) reacts against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The decision from the league was also one that Jazz Governor Ryan Smith certainly didn't agree with, who took to X following the announcement from NBA PR to voice his feelings on the fine.

"🙄 agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense …"

🙄 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

Now, the Jazz will have just over 25 games left in their regular season campaign following the All-Star break, with the league potentially keeping close watch on their rotation decisions..

Be sure to bookmark Utah Jazz On SI and follow @JazzOnSI on X to stay up-to-date on daily Utah Jazz news, interviews, breakdowns and more!