GM Justin Zanik Explains Jazz’s Role In Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade

February 13, 2025

Appearing on the local broadcast of Wednesday’s game against the Lakers, Jazz general manager Justin Zanik discussed the circumstances surrounding the NBA trade that allowed the Lakers to acquire superstar guard Luka Doncic.

Zanik suggested that Los Angeles was fortunate to land Doncic, noting that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka had called the acquisition a “gift” during the press conference introducing the player.

Zanik indicated that many of his colleagues shared similar sentiments, although he stopped short of speaking for them.

While acknowledging the Mavericks’ front office, Zanik pointed out that Dallas had received a “top-15 player” in Anthony Davis through the deal.

He also shed light on the Jazz’s role in facilitating the trade, explaining that without their willingness to take on Jalen Hood-Schifino‘s contract in exchange for two second-round picks, another team would have likely stepped in to complete the transaction.

“If we were in the playoffs right now, I’d be asking both (teams), ‘What is going on?’ and ‘I’m not doing it,’” Zanik said. “But where we are, the ability to pick up stuff basically for free, to do something another team would have done anyway (made sense).”

Utah Jazz GM Justin Zanik discussed the Luka Dončić trade, saying that while he didn't want to speak for his front office colleagues, they agreed with Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka that it was a "gift." pic.twitter.com/uc9POqqKQG

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 13, 2025

Basically, the Lakers and Mavericks have serious contention on their minds — although you have to wonder how serious the Mavs are when they trade a player like Doncic — and the Jazz are looking forward to again playing the NBA Draft lottery.

And Zanick is right. If the Jazz hadn’t helped the Lakers and Mavs make this wildly controversial and crazy trade, someone else most likely would have.