Know all details about the controversy between Ace Bailey and Utah Jazz and if the player has really decided to retire
With the season drawing to a close amid swirling speculations of draft-day drama and potential trade scenarios, Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey has finally put the rumors to rest. The 18-year-old phenom, fresh off being selected No. 5 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, is set to officially begin his journey with the Jazz. A team representative confirmed to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that Bailey will report to Utah on Saturday, putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding his post-draft silence.
Has Ace Bailey decided to retire after being picked by Utah Jazz and what were his NBA 2025 draft demands
This came in the midst of social media rumors claiming Ace had decided to retire in the aftermath of Utah picking him.
The NBA parody account, NBA Centel, shared a post saying that Bailey has retired that has been viewed more than four million times but the player hasn’t really retired with him all set to go to Utah now.
After reports and rumors about the 2025 NBA Draft’s No. 5 pick have swirled both pre- and post-selection, the Rutgers star is on his way to Utah to report to the Jazz.
“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” a team representative said. “We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow.”
Bailey’s process in the lead-up to the draft included turning down workouts and having clear preferred destinations for teams he wanted to be drafted by and the Jazz were reportedly not one of them.
His longtime manager Omar Cooper focused more on fit rather than going third in the draft wanted some place where Ace could have the best possible basketball fit for his game.
Bailey was regarded as the No. 3 prospect in the draft, but canceled workouts with the 76ers, who were selecting third, as his camp sought a clear pathway to stardom.
BREAKING: Ace Bailey has informed his agent of his decision to retire from the NBA
(Via @SharmsCharania) pic.twitter.com/i1pocFsqTL
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) June 26, 2025
Ace Bailey might not have landed in Utah just yet, but the Jazz are showing no signs of letting their prized rookie go. Selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Bailey’s arrival came with a flurry of speculation. Whispers about a potential holdout, and even tongue-in-cheek retirement memes, quickly surfaced online. But despite the noise, the message from the franchise remains clear: Ace Bailey is here to stay.
NBA insider Shams Charania, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, laid the rumors to rest: “Ace Bailey is ready to play basketball, and the Jazz are ready to welcome him in. The Jazz aren’t going to be trading Ace Bailey.” Some of the unease came from Bailey’s unusual pre-draft process. He didn’t participate in private workouts for any NBA team and even canceled a late session with the Philadelphia 76ers.
This fueled theories that Bailey might have had his eyes set on another destination — but no clear alternative ever emerged. His absence from introductory media sessions in Utah only added to the uncertainty. However, the Jazz don’t open Summer League practices until Monday, giving Bailey time to settle in. As it stands, Utah fully expects him to be in uniform, ready to begin his NBA journey.
https://twittr.com/abelxkanye/status/1938673723722043840
Bailey, who made headlines not only for his on-court prowess at Rutgers but also for skipping pre-draft workouts with NBA teams, had sparked talk of discontent and even a possible holdout. His absence from introductory team events only added fuel to the fire, prompting conspiracy theories and viral memes about his intentions.
However, with confirmation of his arrival, the Jazz can breathe easy knowing their top pick is ready to get to work. His red carpet appearance at the Barclays Center on draft night, where he looked every bit the part of a future NBA star, was only the beginning of a chapter that now officially starts in Salt Lake City.
Omar Cooper, Ace Bailey’s agent
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) June 27, 2025