After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games.
[7][8][9][10][11] However, on January 6, 1999, NBA commissioner David Stern, and NBPA director Billy Hunter finally reached an agreement to end the lockout.
However, with Michael Jordan retiring for a second time,[17][18][19][20] Scottie Pippen being traded to the Houston Rockets,[21] Dennis Rodman signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent,[22] and Phil Jackson's contract expiring,[23] the Bulls dynasty that headlined much of the 1990s was dramatically dismantled, and the Jazz hoped to make the NBA Finals for a third time.
[41][42][43][44] In the Western Conference Semi-finals, they struggled and lost to the Pacific Division champion Portland Trail Blazers in six games.
For the season, the Jazz added new black alternate road uniforms with brown side panels to their jerseys and shorts, which remained in use until 2004.