Former Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge is back in an NBA front office, with The Athletic’s Tony Jones reporting that the Eugene, Oregon native has accepted a position with the Utah Jazz. Ainge, who left the Celtics in his role as team president for nearly two decades this past summer, will serve the Jazz as its alternate governor and CEO of basketball operations.
“I have known and respected (Jazz Governor) Ryan and Ashley Smith for many years,” Ainge said in a prepared statement. “What they are doing here in Utah is amazing and I am excited to be part of their vision for the Jazz.” The Ainge family has deep roots in Utah with Danny having gone to Brigham Young University to play his college ball, and son Tanner is a local politician.
There had been speculation that the former Celtics president might return to a front office position and had been speculated to have interest in either Utah or the recent opening with the Portland Trail Blazers following the ouster of longtime GM Neil Olshey.
Danny Ainge is back.https://t.co/d4dMLsGBxL
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) December 15, 2021
And if you happen to be wondering, we do not expect a sweetheart deal for Donovan Mitchell to the Celtics any time soon.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
