The NBA couldn’t mask the fact that the Utah Jazz were utilizing some tanking tactics throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Back in February, the league billed the Jazz $500,000 due to “conduct detrimental to the league.” Since then, the Jazz have been under a microscope as they navigate through March with under 20 wins on record.
For the players who understand they will be in Utah for the long haul, it’s easier to stomach the constant losing, and the idea of doing it strategically, knowing that they’ll be around for the turnaround.
But when it comes to a veteran like Kyle Anderson, it’s not something worth going in-depth about
âI don’t even want to get into it, honestly,” Anderson told reporters on Tuesday.
While Anderson was complimentary of the Jazz’s organization after spending a short time there, he didn’t hold back his feelings on the idea of being on a tanking roster.
Kyle Anderson Discusses His Time With The Utah Jazz
GettyKyle Anderson is back with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I had a lot of fun in the organization, and everybody in the organization was awesome,â Anderson continued.
âObviously, you know, playing not-to-win games gets a little tricky and tough. I didn’t enjoy it personally, but, you know, the staff, the players, I love the players. The staff is really cool, and the people in the organization are awesome. Nothing bad to say about that.â
Anderson landed with the Jazz during an offseason trade back in July. Following his 25-game showing with the Miami Heat, the veteran guard was included in a three-team deal. Knowing the state of the Jazz, Anderson likely assumed he could be on the move in the short-term.
Three days before the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Anderson was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He wrapped up his Jazz tenure with 20 games played. In each outing, he came off the bench to average 7.1 points, while shooting 52% from the field.
Anderson landed with the Memphis Grizzlies, who have also been outside of the postseason picture this year. While the Grizzlies weren’t actively tanking for picks, the state of the team made it obvious that Anderson could be on the move for the third time in less than a year.
In four games, Anderson logged three starts with the Grizzlies. He posted averages of 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, while seeing the court for 22.3 minutes per game.
The Grizzlies reached a buyout with Anderson, which resulted in the veteran guard returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Back in a competitive situation, Anderson finally got to make his Timberwolves debut this week. He checked in for 14 minutes off the bench, to score two points and log one rebound in the 117-110 win over the Grizzlies.
During Anderson’s first round with the Timberwolves, he appeared in 148 games across two seasons. The veteran produced 7.8 points per game, while coming down with 4.3 rebounds, and dishing out 4.5 assists. He shot 48% from the field.
The first stretch of the 2025-2026 season might’ve been difficult for Anderson, who wants to compete at the highest level. Fortunately, he’s back in a situation where he can do that. After Tuesday’s win, the Timberwolves improved to 39-23.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ex-Utah Jazz Player Delivers Honest Take on Tanking Situation appeared first on Heavy Sports.