Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball while USC Trojans guard Kevin Patton Jr. (8) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

'A Little Bit Of A Stunner': Ace Bailey Landing On Jazz In Draft Gets ‘Silver Lining’ Outlook From Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Following his questionable pre-draft strategy , Ace Bailey has officially been drafted into the league by the Utah Jazz with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

For NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony, the Utah Jazz have themselves a gem in Ace Bailey, even if they never interviewed or worked out with him before the draft.

“This is a little bit of a stunner, but if you think about it, this is an outstanding place for Ace Bailey. They have a wide-open wing situation. They have a huge need for a star in his mold. They have an outstanding coaching staff,” Givony said.

Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) knocks the ball away from Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

“I think Ace Bailey is going to recover from this very quickly and realize that he landed in an outstanding situation with the Utah Jazz. It just shows you there’s only so much an agent can control in this process. If an NBA team decides they’re going to take Ace Bailey, that’s exactly what happened. This is the first move that Austin Ainge has made as a head decision maker in the NBA, and it’s a big one,” he added.

After drafting Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz president breaks silence on Jaylen Brown trade rumors

The Utah Jazz have been linked with Boston Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown. They have the financial capacity to absorb Brown’s contract, and he will instantly be their franchise player. However, team president Austin Ainge reportedly denied such claims.

May 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) passes the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (left) and forward Obi Toppin (right) during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

“Austin Ainge said there’s no truth to the rumors that the Jazz have held discussions about Jaylen Brown over the last few days,” Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Meanwhile, John Collins recently picked up his $26.5 million player option , making him one of the Utah Jazz’s highest-paid players next season alongside Lauri Markkanen.