Jazz Fined $500K for Tanking

- The NBA's Player Participation Policy was introduced before the 2023-24 season to discourage teams from resting multiple healthy players, particularly star players, in the same game. A "star" is defined as any player who has made an All-Star or All-NBA team in the previous three seasons. - For the Utah Jazz, the violations occurred in games on February 7 against the Orlando Magic and February 9 against the Miami Heat. In both instances, the team removed key players Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. before the fourth quarter, even though the games were still competitive. - The Utah Jazz were leading the Miami Heat by three points heading into the fourth quarter when they decided to bench Markkanen and Jackson Jr. for the remainder of the game. Against the Orlando Magic, the Jazz's decision to sit their stars in the final quarter contributed to a comeback victory for the Magic. - The Indiana Pacers' fine stemmed from their decision to sit All-Star Pascal Siakam and two other starters during a 131-122 loss to a depleted Utah Jazz team on February 3. An independent physician determined that the players could have participated, at least in a limited capacity. - At the time of the violations in early February 2026, both teams had losing records and were not in playoff contention, fueling the perception that their actions were aimed at improving their draft position. The Jazz's record was 18-37, and the Pacers' was 13-39. - The fines escalate for repeat offenders of the Player Participation Policy. A first-time violation results in a $100,000 fine, the second offense is $250,000, and subsequent violations increase by $1 million each time. - Prior to these fines, the Brooklyn Nets were the first team to be penalized under the new policy, receiving a $100,000 fine in January 2024 for sitting four rotation players in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement in response to the incidents, stating that "Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition."