RealGM Basketball Wiretap

16 June 2025

• Jazz Promote Katie Benzan To Stars GM, Marquis Newman To Pro Scouting Role

  The Utah Jazz have promoted Katie Benzan to general manager of their Salt Lake City Stars G League affiliate, making her the youngest active GM in the G League and youngest female GM in league history at 27 years old.

  Benzan replaces Marquis Newman, who has been elevated to director of pro scouting in Utah's front office after three seasons leading the Stars. She will also serve as the Jazz's manager of pro scouting.

  Newman guided the Stars to three consecutive playoff appearances and oversaw the signings of two-way players Micah Potter, Oscar Tshiebwe, Jason Preston, and Elijah Harkless. He also played a key role in signing two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas and helped hire former Stars coaches Scott Morrison and Steve Wojciechowski, both now on Will Hardy's Jazz staff.

  A Cyprus High School and University of Utah graduate, Newman joined the Jazz in 2014 as a basketball operations assistant and became the Stars' assistant GM in 2021 under Bart Taylor, now Utah's VP of player personnel.

  "Marquis has done an outstanding job leading that process over the past three seasons," Jazz President of Basketball Operations Austin Ainge said. "I've gotten to know Marquis during his time in the league and have always been impressed with his basketball acumen."

  Benzan spent the 2024-25 season as Stars assistant GM and Jazz coordinator of pro scouting, becoming the first woman in team history to hold a front office position. She previously worked as a basketball generalist for two seasons.

  "Katie is incredibly bright and has been diligent in studying her craft," Jazz GM Justin Zanik said. "She brings a unique perspective to our organization and has proven to be a valuable addition to our front office over the past three seasons."

  A Massachusetts native, Benzan earned All-Ivy League First Team honors in three seasons at Harvard (2016-20) before transferring to Maryland, where she received All-Big Ten Second Team and AP Honorable Mention All-America recognition.

• Jazz Hire Steve Wojciechowski As Assistant Coach

  The Utah Jazz have hired Steve Wojciechowski to the coaching staff of Will Hardy. He is the second coach from the team's NBA G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, to be promoted to Hardy's staff, joining previous Stars Head Coach Scott Morrison.

  Wojciechowski spent the past two seasons as the head coach of the Stars, guiding the team to two consecutive playoff appearances and a 41-17 overall record. Last season, the Stars secured the third seed in the Western Conference with a 21-13 season record. The team earned the franchise's first-ever playoff victory on April 1, 2025, over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

  Wojciechowski served as head coach at Marquette University for seven seasons, earning two NCAA tournament berths and recording a 124-93 record overall (2014-21).

• Austin Ainge Says Jazz Won't Tank This Upcoming Season

  Austin Ainge met with the media for the first time since being announced at the president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz. One of the questions Ainge was asked about was if the Jazz would continue to manipulate playing time in an effort to tank for draft position. Ainge was concise, but clear in his answer.

  "You won't see that this year," Ainge said.

  Over the last three seasons, Utah has pivoted towards draft position at various points in the season. Last season, the Jazz were never really competitive on a night-to-night basis. The previous two seasons saw the team change their approach around the trade deadline.

  Jazz owner Ryan Smith made it clear that Ainge has final say in basketball decisions, despite his father Danny and GM Justin Zanik still being with the organization. For Ainge, that will mean picking a direction this offseason. Utah could seek veterans to build around Lauri Markkanen to chase a postseason spot in a deep Western Conference. The Jazz could also trade the veterans they have for more draft capital, while prioritizing young players.

• Austin Ainge To Have Final Decision-Making Authority With Jazz

  The Utah Jazz appointed Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations Tuesday, establishing clear organizational hierarchy after years of ambiguous front office structure. Owner Ryan Smith confirmed Ainge will have final decision-making authority on personnel moves.

  Smith addressed speculation about nepotism, noting he had pursued the younger Ainge independently before informing CEO Danny Ainge, Austin's father, of the hire. The move came together rapidly after Smith's recent conversation with Austin Ainge about joining the franchise's rebuild effort.

  "Austin will be running the program. He's got final recommendation to myself on any decisions that need to be made," Smith said during Tuesday's introductory press conference. "This is Austin's show."

  Organizational Structure Clarified

  The hire resolves confusion that existed since Danny Ainge joined as CEO of Jazz basketball in December 2021. General manager Justin Zanik previously operated without a traditional president above him, creating unclear decision-making protocols.

  Austin Ainge brings 16 years of NBA experience, including six seasons as assistant general manager with the Boston Celtics. He began his career coaching the Maine Red Claws G League affiliate in 2009.

  "We have a ton of optionality, a lot of future picks, a lot of things we can do," Austin Ainge said. "It's going to take a lot of work, but I can't wait to get started."

  Justin Zanik retains his general manager title but now reports to Austin Ainge. Smith emphasized the hire doesn't change Zanik's role beyond the reporting structure adjustment.

  Utah's front office had operated collaboratively under Danny Ainge and Zanik's joint leadership. Austin Ainge's appointment establishes traditional basketball operations hierarchy as the franchise continues its rebuilding process.

• Jazz Hire Austin Ainge To Lead Basketball Operations Role

  The Utah Jazz are hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations. Ainge has worked for the Boston Celtics for the last 14 years. Ainge's father, Danny Ainge, is currently the CEO of basketball operations for the Jazz. Justin Zanik has had a large role running the team's day-to-day operations as the team's general manager.

  Austin Ainge will have ultimate say in all basketball decisions as he joins the Jazz.

  "I'm sure there's probably a lot of questions around organizational structure and design, and I've learned in business and also in the NBA, that every organization is set up a little different," Ryan Smith said as he introduced Ainge to local media. "For us, Austin will be running the program. He's got final recommendation to myself on any decisions that need to be made.

  "I think it's the job of both Justin, Danny and myself to kind of plug into him. So hopefully that alleviates quite a few questions as to who has the final decision on roster and management and personnel."

  Smith later emphasized that Austin is in charge.

  "This is Austin's show," said Smith.

  Part of Ainge's role with Boston has been to lead the team's college and international scouting departments. Ainge is often credited with the Celtics ability to draft impact players late in the first round, as well as bringing in talent from overseas.

  The Jazz have the fifth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They've been in a rebuilding mode for the last three seasons, after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves respectively.

• Sixers Linked With Potential Trade Talks For Kevin Durant, Lauri Markkanen

  The Philadelphia 76ers have been linked with Kevin Durant and Lauri Markkanen in potential trade conversations involving the No. 3 overall pick. The Sixers could look to package Paul George with the pick as they attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 24-25 season.

  George averaged just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his first season with the Sixers after signing a four-year, $212 million deal during the 2024 offseason.

  Durant is widely expected to be traded by the Phoenix Suns this offseason ahead of a potential 2026 free agency.

  Markkanen becomes trade eligible again this offseason after signing a four-year, $22 million extension with the Utah Jazz last August.

• Carlos Boozer To Join Jazz As Scout

  Carlos Boozer is expected to rejoin the Utah Jazz as a scout, sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

  Boozer played for the team from 2004-2010.

  The Jazz have the fifth pick in the upcoming draft.

  Scotto adds that while the Jazz could have been aggressive with trades had they landed the top pick, there is uncertainty on what the team will now do with Lauri Markkanen this offseason.

• Mavericks Win 2025 NBA Draft Lottery; Spurs, Sixers, Hornets In Top-4

  The NBA held its 2025 Draft Lottery in Chicago on Monday with the Dallas Mavericks winning the lottery with a 1.8 percent chance. The San Antonio Spurs moved up to No. 2 ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3, and Charlotte Hornets at No. 4.

  Cooper Flagg is the presumptive No. 1 pick with Dylan Harper expected to be selected at No. 2. The draft is expected to open up considerably after the first two picks of the draft with a number of candidates vying for consideration at No. 3 and beyond.

  The Mavericks were in the lottery after they traded away Luka Doncic and endured a number of injuries issues for the remainder of the season. Dallas won their initial play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, but were defeated in the second play-in by the Memphis Grizzlies to remain in the lottery.

  2025 NBA Draft Lottery Order

  1. Dallas Mavericks
  2. San Antonio Spurs
  3. Philadelphia 76ers
  4. Charlotte Hornets
  5. Utah Jazz
  6. Washington Wizards
  7. New Orleans Pelicans
  8. Brooklyn Nets
  9. Toronto Raptors
  10. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn via Phoenix)
  11. Portland Trail Blazers
  12. Chicago Bulls
  13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
  14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)

• Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper Widely Expected To Be Top Two Picks At 2025 NBA Draft

  In their latest look at the 2025 NBA Draft, ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo broke down who each lottery team could pick, depending on where their pick falls. While things get very interesting depending on who gets the third pick, Cooper Flagg of Duke and Dylan Harper of Rutgers are the consensus first and second picks, respectively.

  The third pick is heavily dependent on which team lands there. Some teams may prefer forward Ace Bailey of Rutgers, while others are higher on guard V.J. Edgecombe of Baylor. Givony and Woo have reached a consensus that Bailey or Edgecombe, in some order, should be the third and fourth players off the board.

  From there, the draft takes a lot of turns. Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson, Kasparas Jakucionis, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knuppel and Derik Queen round out the top 10.

• Will Hardy, Jazz Agree To Six-Year Extension

  The Utah Jazz and head coach Will Hardy have agreed to a six-year contract extension. Hardy will now be under contract with Utah through at least the 2030-31 season.

  "I'm humbled and honored," Hardy said. "This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I'm so excited."

  In three years as the Jazz head coach, Hardy has gone 85-161. However, that record is not an accurate reflection of Hardy's coaching ability.

  In each of his first two seasons, Hardy had Utah in position to compete for a spot in the postseason. The team chose to pivot towards draft position each season.

  This year was a rebuilding and development year from the jump. Utah enters the lottery as one of the three teams with the best odds at securing the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.