The Utah Jazz chose Ace Bailey earlier this week in the NBA draft, putting an end to weeks of speculation and stories about the young player and his place in the league.
There were reports of Bailey not wanting to initially play for the Jazz, but that is where he ended up.
However, is that where he will stay?
Speaking on ESPN, Shams Charania made it clear that Bailey isn’t going anywhere and will be suiting up with the Jazz in the fall.
“The Jazz are not going to be trading Ace Bailey. If he’s playing in the NBA, he’s playing for the Utah Jazz,” Charania said.
“The Jazz are not going to be trading Ace Bailey. If he’s playing in the NBA, he’s playing for the Utah Jazz.”@ShamsCharania shares an update regarding Ace Bailey and the Jazz ✍️ (via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/Uj0VWM5CsP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 27, 2025
Bailey’s road to the NBA was complicated.
He was one of the most promising young prospects in the league, but he made things harder on himself because of the way he and his management team handled the draft.
Bailey refused to do any workouts with teams, making him the only American player who didn’t suit up on a practice court.
He also apparently only wanted to play for a few teams, ideally one of the East Coast that would let him start right away.
In the end, it was the Jazz who got him.
The Jazz might have a spot for him in the starting rotation, but they are a long way from the East Coast.
Still, following the draft, Bailey sounded happy about where he landed.
Will he still seem happy in the months ahead?
The Jazz will try to rebound next season and climb higher in the Western Conference standings.
Bailey will be a part of that because he is clearly staying in Utah.
