Utah Jazz Fined $500,000 by NBA for Benching Stars

League cites 'conduct detrimental to the league' despite Jazz winning game in question

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The NBA fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 for benching Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter of two recent games, including a win against the Miami Heat. The league cited 'conduct detrimental to the league' and said the moves prioritized draft position over winning, undermining the integrity of NBA competition. Jazz owner Ryan Smith criticized the fine, noting the team won one of the games in question.

Why it matters

This case highlights the NBA's complex relationship with small-market teams like the Jazz, who are often viewed as outsiders by the league's power brokers. The Jazz have long struggled to attract and retain star players, and have been fined for roster decisions aimed at rebuilding through the draft - a path encouraged by the league's own incentive structures.

The details

In three separate incidents, police said Walker Reed Quinn has been damaging Waymo vehicles since July by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield.

  • The NBA fined the Jazz on Thursday, February 16, 2026.
  • The Jazz won a game against the Miami Heat during the recent road trip where they benched Markkanen and Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter.

The players

Utah Jazz

An NBA franchise based in Salt Lake City, Utah that has struggled to attract and retain star players over the years.

Adam Silver

The current Commissioner of the National Basketball Association.

Ryan Smith

The owner of the Utah Jazz who criticized the NBA's fine on social media.

Will Hardy

The head coach of the Utah Jazz who benched Markkanen and Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter of recent games.

Lauri Markkanen

A player for the Utah Jazz who was benched in the fourth quarter of recent games.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A player for the Utah Jazz who was benched in the fourth quarter of recent games and is now out for the season with a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“Agree to disagree ... Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense ...”

— Ryan Smith, Owner, Utah Jazz (Twitter)

“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.”

— Adam Silver, Commissioner, NBA (NBA Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.