The Milwaukee Bucks are hiring Utah Jazz executive Justin Zanik as the team's general-manager-in-waiting, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
Per Wojnarowski, Zanik — an assistant general manager in Utah — has been hired to be the successor to current Bucks general manager John Hammond. Under an agreement, he will join the organization in a similar role before eventually moving up and replacing Hammond. A timetable for the succession plan is unclear. Wojnarowski notes that Hammond had a part in recruiting Zanik to the Bucks.
Zanik is a former player agent that has a strong front office reputation around the NBA. The Jazz hired him in 2013 after working as an agent with ASM Sports (he was an agent for 15 years). He aided the Jazz with player personnel and helped hire current head coach Quin Snyder. Zanik also had a role overseeing the Jazz's D-League affiliate, which is beneficial for a Milwaukee club that hopes to welcome a developmental team of its own.
Hammond has been Bucks general manager since 2008 and aided in Milwaukee's decision to draft cornerstones Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker. He was awarded NBA Executive of the Year in 2010, however, the Bucks have made the playoffs only three times during his tenure. Hammond has just one year remaining on his contract.
Another man with just one year remaining on a contract: Jason Kidd. The report also states that the Bucks are moving closer to extending Kidd as the team's head coach.
When asked about Kidd's future in April, Bucks owner Marc Lasry voiced support for Kidd and made it clear ownership is satisfied with his performance despite missing the playoffs and posting a 33-49 record.
"At the end of the day, Jason is our coach." Lasry said. "I know there's been a bunch of articles. We think he's done a great job. He's our guy."