The Jazz have signed general manager Justin Zanik to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced today in a press release.
A former player agent, Zanik originally joined the Jazz as an assistant general manager in 2013 and spent three years in that role before taking a job in the Bucks’ front office for the 2016/17 season. He returned to Utah as an assistant GM in 2017 and earned a promotion to general manager in 2019.
Although Zanik was initially below president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey in the Jazz’s front office hierarchy and is now technically working under CEO and top decision-maker Danny Ainge, he has essentially been running the front office’s day-to-day operations since his promotion to GM in 2019.
“Justin’s basketball acumen, ability to create meaningful relationships throughout the league, and management of our front office are invaluable assets,” Ainge said in a statement. “We’re thrilled that he’ll continue to lead the team.”
Zanik’s new deal is a signal that Jazz ownership is happy with the job that he and the front office did this summer reshaping the roster and building for the future.
The Jazz acquired a total of seven unprotected first-round picks, a top-five protected first-rounder, and three future first-round pick swaps in trades involving Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and Royce O’Neale during the offseason, setting the franchise up to be a player in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes this season.
I think the relationships he has is probably the biggest impact any GM can add to a front office. If you know how to talk to those people, and they feel comfortable dealing with you, then that saves a ton of time.
Look at how quickly the Minnesota and Cavs deals went down. They had obvious rapport with Zanik, as the primary negotiator.
Ainge seems to be more of a mastermind behind the scenes. He definitely has brought out the best from Zanik.
When he goes clubbing do they call it Zanik at the Disco?
Lol, sure. I know in the Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge most recent press conference they call him JZ. Probably cuz he got the hookups. =)