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Ace Bailey’s Representative Sends Clear Message About Utah Jazz

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 2:06 PM ET

Coming off a franchise-worst 65-loss season in 2024-25, the Utah Jazz needed star power to kick its rebuild into high gear. And the best player on Utah's board was a player who did not seem too outwardly thrilled about wearing the Jazz jersey.

The Jazz took Airious "Ace" Bailey with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which potentially represents great value for a player who was regarded among the very best prospects available.

A 6-foot-10 wing from Rutgers, Bailey has been lauded for his versatility and shot-making, in addition to his burgeoning prowess as a rebounder and shot-blocker.

But in the days before and after the draft, Bailey and his camp were criticized for turning down numerous workout invites, which created an air of uncertainty over where the Tennessee native wanted to begin his NBA career.

In addition, ESPN's Brian Windhorst has claimed that Bailey and the Jazz have had "minimal contact" since draft night, prompting further speculation that Bailey and his agent are trying to force a trade.

Ace Bailey's representation joined @FOS_Today to dispel rumors about Bailey not wanting to play for the Utah Jazz.

Full conversation ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 27, 2025

However, Andrew Witlieb has strongly disputed the idea that Bailey does not want to play in Salt Lake City. The president of GSE Worldwide, the agency which represents Bailey, squashed the rumors surrounding Bailey during a conversation with Front Office Sports on Friday.

"He's thrilled to be going to Utah," Witlieb said. "We think he can do a lot of great things out there."

Witlieb said Bailey has no concerns over his potential playing time in Utah, and that Bailey's manager Omar Cooper worked hard to analyze the 18-year-old's best possible basketball "fit."

"We think it's a great situation for him basketball-wise," Witlieb said.

Witlieb further explained that Bailey's decision to skip pre-draft workouts was "blown out of proportion." He noted that neither Jared McCain nor Tyrese Maxey worked out for the Philadelphia 76ers before the franchise drafted them; Philadelphia had been mentioned as a possible destination for Bailey before the draft.

"We think that was an overrated thing, working out for teams," Witlieb said. "They saw him at the combine, they scouted him extensively last year. This is not a guy they didn't have film on."

Asked about the marketing potential for Bailey in a smaller market like Salt Lake City, Witlieb expressed no concern and insisted once more that the Jazz stood out as the best possible fit for the former Rutgers star.

"Ace is a great kid," Witlieb said. "All the stuff that was talked about leading up the draft, that's in the past now. We think (Salt Lake City) is going to be great for him, brand-wise."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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