One of the biggest stories of the NBA Draft was Ace Bailey, who was taken No. 5 overall by the Jazz despite a heavily criticized draft process.
Bailey didn't work out with any team and reportedly tried to drop to one of his preferred teams. ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported that Bailey wanted to go to the Wizards, Pelicans, or Nets, with the Jazz not on his list at all.
Jonathan Givony: "[Utah] was not one of his preferred destinations... was hoping to get to either Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn... a stunner, but if you think about it, this is an outstanding place for Ace Bailey."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 26, 2025
Bobby Marks: "I give Utah a lot of credit here..." #NBA pic.twitter.com/IQJoNzgwlm
At his first press conference as a member of the Jazz, Bailey acknowledged that he had "no idea" the Jazz were interested in him. He kept the focus on getting drafted into the NBA, and what that means for him and his family.
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"When they called my name ... it was very emotional," he said, via Ryan Smith. "My mom, I mean, she's crying; the whole table's crying because they know the hard work and sacrifices we made to be in this position — not just me, but my family also."
The surprise pick has some fans wondering if Bailey will try to force his way out of Utah and to another team. Here's the latest on Bailey's intentions with his new team.
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Will Ace Bailey play for Jazz?
While Bailey reportedly didn't prefer to land in Utah, there is no indication that Bailey will force his way off the Jazz. Additionally, Jake Fischer initially reported that the Jazz's plan was to keep Bailey and not trade him.
Bailey, however, did not travel to Utah at the same time as fellow first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. The Jazz are expecting Bailey to arrive some time over the weekend and be at training camp on Monday, though his agent declined to comment to ESPN when asked about the Rutgers product's future with the team.
A Jazz representative told DraftExpress on Friday that Bailey and his family are traveling to Utah on Saturday to be introduced.
On Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Jazz will not consider trading Bailey. "If he's playing in the NBA, he's playing for the Utah Jazz," Charania said.
When asked Thursday why he didn't work out for the Jazz, or any team, Bailey deflected and said he was focused on basketball.
"I haven't been worried about that. I've just been focusing on basketball," Bailey said, via Andy Larsen. "That's the main thing. That's why I'm here, just to play the basketball side. I let my family and stuff deal with other stuff."
For now, Bailey appears set to suit up for the Jazz next season, as the team seems determined to keep him and he has little leverage unless he's willing to sit out an entire season. Speculation will continue to swirl until he reports to the team, however. Based on his initial responses to questions about his destination, he doesn't seem to have a problem with Utah, at least not a big enough one to derail the rest of his career.