One of the major talking points leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft was Ace Bailey`s eventual destination. With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper widely expected to be the first two picks, attention turned to the Philadelphia 76ers at number three. Speculation intensified after Bailey cancelled a workout in Philly and appeared to be favoring the Washington Wizards, who held the sixth pick.
While both the Sixers and the Charlotte Hornets opted not to select him, the Utah Jazz chose Bailey with the fifth overall selection, a decision that surprised many observers, including Bailey himself. Publicly, Bailey expressed enthusiasm for the draft process and has not issued any personal demands about where he wants to play. However, reports indicated that his representation, specifically manager Omar Cooper, had been actively working behind the scenes to steer Bailey towards certain teams, primarily Washington. On Wednesday night, reports emerged claiming that Cooper had informed at least one team that Bailey would not report if they drafted him.
After a period of uncertainty over the previous 48 hours, it appears a resolution has been reached between Bailey, his representatives, and the Jazz organization. According to a report from ESPN, Bailey is scheduled to report to the Jazz on Saturday.
“We`ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” a Jazz spokesperson told ESPN on Friday. “We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow. We`ll have a press conference Sunday, and a practice Monday.”
It remains unconfirmed if the Jazz were among the teams informed that Bailey wouldn`t report. However, when Utah`s other first-round selection, Walter Clayton Jr., traveled to Salt Lake City immediately after the draft while Bailey did not, it fueled speculation of a potential disagreement between the parties. Despite this, the Jazz maintained there were no issues and stated Bailey was expected to be in Utah for the start of summer league training camp on Monday.
Much focus has been placed on Cooper`s involvement. However, as he is not a certified agent by the NBPA, Bailey is also represented by the agency GSE Worldwide. Danny Green serves as his certified agent, collaborating with Cooper in his managerial role. On Friday, GSE president Andrew Witlieb appeared on FOS Today to address the rumors about Bailey`s dissatisfaction with going to Utah, characterizing it as a “great situation” for the young player.
“Yeah, absolutely. He`s thrilled to be going to Utah,” Witlieb stated. “Obviously it`s an honor to be selected in the top 5 of the NBA Draft, and we think he can do a lot of great things out there. He certainly should get a ton of playing time and he`ll have a lot of chances to show what he can do, so we think it`s a great situation for him basketball wise.”
When questioned about the pre-Draft activities, Witlieb indicated that Cooper was primarily responsible for leading that process but offered insight into Cooper`s rationale.
“This was led by his longtime manager Omar Cooper, who we`re partnering with on this, and Omar really focused more on fit than going third in the Draft kind of thing,” Witlieb added. “He wanted some place where Ace could have the best possible basketball fit for his game, and we think Utah is one of the best possible places he could`ve gone.”
Given the importance of relationships between teams, players, and agents in the business of basketball, Witlieb clearly aims to prevent this situation from becoming a significant source of tension. GSE`s basketball division is relatively new, with Bailey and Bub Carrington (drafted by the Wizards last year) being their most prominent clients. Witlieb undoubtedly wants to avoid escalating this into a larger conflict.
If Bailey arrives for summer league camp as planned, this story is likely to subside, with attention shifting to his performance on the court, although questions about the pre-draft handling may linger. However, if, contrary to Witlieb`s positive assessment, Bailey does not show up in Salt Lake City, the situation could potentially become much more significant.
Jasper Hawthorne