Bucks extend GM John Hammond to help transition franchise

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a one-year contract extension with general manager John Hammond, clearing the way for him to step away from full-time duties as the franchise’s top basketball executive in 2018, league sources told The Vertical.

Hammond’s deal includes him assuming a consultant’s role with the organization in 2018, which will allow him to help the team transition to Justin Zanik, his successor as general manager, league sources said.

The Bucks hired Zanik as an assistant general manager in May with the understanding that he would leave his assistant general manager job with the Utah Jazz to become the Bucks’ general manager-in-waiting.

Hammond was part of the process that hired Zanik.

The transfer of power in the front office is another in a sequence of significant moves that co-owners Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry have made since the $550 million purchase of the Bucks in 2014. The Bucks hired Jason Kidd as coach in 2014 and are working with the city and state to move into a new downtown arena.

Hammond has been Milwaukee's general manager since 2008, a tenure that has included three playoff appearances and his selection as the NBA Executive of the Year in 2010. Hammond drafted franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

Zanik's ascent had been rapid within the Jazz organization. He joined Utah’s front office in the summer of 2013 after a nine-year run as a player agent with Andy Miller at ASM Sports. Zanik had been a player agent for 15 years. Zanik worked closely with Utah general manager Dennis Lindsey on player personnel – including the drafting of Rodney Hood and Dante Exum – and the hiring of Jazz coach Quin Snyder.