Before the 2025 NBA Draft, one of the biggest stories was Rutgers’ star Ace Bailey and his refusal to work out with any team before hearing his name called. Initially projected by most outlets as the third overall pick, he skipped workouts with the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz, who would select him fifth overall, anyway.
Bailey had long made it known that he had a preferred destination and appeared to be forcing his way to a certain team, and it was revealed that he wanted to suit up for the Washington Wizards.
Ace Bailey Tried to Push His Way to Wizards
Unlike top pick Cooper Flagg, Bailey had plenty of concerns surrounding his offensive game before the draft, and it was expected that he would use team workouts as a way to showcase that he was, in fact, an elite young player.
Instead, he skipped out on workouts and private events, and after the Jazz selected him, he remained reclusive for several days.
As it turns out, he did not get what he wanted.
“Washington is the lottery team, according to various rivals, that was the preferred landing spot for Ace Bailey,” league insider Marc Stein wrote on September 22 in The Stein Line. “The Wizards had the sixth overall pick. Bailey’s camp refused to engage with teams interested in bringing him in for an individual workout in the days leading up to the June 25 draft in the apparent hope of steering himself to the Wizards.”
With Bailey off the board, the Wizards selected Texas standout Tre Johnson, one of the better scorers in the draft, and both Utah and Washington aim to finish their rebuild.
Ace Bailey Is Happy in Utah, For Now
It took Bailey four days to arrive in Salt Lake City after the draft, causing speculation that he might demand a trade or outright refuse to play, although he quelled any concerns after his arrival.
In his first press conference with the Jazz, Desert News’ Sarah Todd asked point-blank if Bailey ever refused to come to Utah
“Not at all,” said Bailey. “Just blessed to be in this position I am. Not a lot of people can sit in these chairs and have great teammates as I got on. They came on with me, so I’m just blessed to be here.”
Bailey has since signed a standard rookie contract with the Jazz, keeping him under team control for his first four seasons. He was drafted as a raw, oversized wing who can play help defense and knock down shots from anywhere, but there is an expectation that he will be streaky.
The Jazz have made it clear that their rebuild still has a long way to go, and they seem poised to tank for a top pick again this season. Bailey won’t play on a winning team for at least his first two NBA seasons, and by the time he hits unrestricted free agency in 2029, the Jazz might have to drive a hard bargain to keep him in town any longer.
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