???? Ace Bailey’s Bold Pre-Draft Move Cost Him Millions—But Could Pay Off Big
One of the biggest NBA Draft stories of 2025 wasn’t just who got picked—it was where—and how Ace Bailey tried to control his own destiny.
Ranked as the third-best player behind Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, Bailey shocked the league by skipping workouts for every NBA team—the only U.S. prospect to do so. Why? Because he had his heart set on joining a few select teams, none of which held the third pick, where he was projected to go.
The Draft Drama: Avoiding the 76ers, Hornets, and Jazz?
Bailey was clear—he didn’t want to play for:
- Philadelphia 76ers (#3 pick)
- Charlotte Hornets (#4 pick)
- Utah Jazz (#5 pick)
Instead, he wanted to land with the Washington Wizards (6th pick), New Orleans Pelicans (7th), or Brooklyn Nets (8th). To pull this off, he refused to workout for any teams at all—an unprecedented gamble.
The Draft Unfolds: Almost a Perfect Plan
His gamble almost paid off. The 76ers chose Baylor’s V.J. Edgcombe, and the Hornets grabbed Duke’s Kon Knueppel. But then, the Jazz broke ranks and selected Bailey at No. 5—against his wishes.
The Cost: $9 Million Lost on Rookie Contract
Had Bailey gone third as expected, his rookie contract would have been worth $50.4 million over four years.
Instead, sliding to fifth means he’ll make roughly $41.2 million—more than $9 million less. That’s a staggering difference just from his draft-day preferences.
Silver Lining: A Chance to Shine in Utah
Despite the financial hit, the Jazz might offer Bailey the best playing opportunity. With last season’s worst NBA record and established stars like Lauri Markannen, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton, the wing spot Bailey wants is wide open.
- Bailey could become the face of the franchise early
- He’s poised for a max contract after his rookie deal, potentially worth over nine figures
- Other teams he wanted might not have offered as much early playing time
What This Means for Bailey’s Future
Bailey’s pre-draft strategy is a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario. He gave up millions upfront to try and control his career path and landing spot.
If he capitalizes on this opportunity in Utah, his long-term earnings could far surpass the initial $9 million loss.
???? What Do You Think?
Was Ace Bailey smart to skip workouts and gamble on landing in the right situation? Or should he have played it safe and locked in a bigger rookie paycheck?
Share your thoughts below! And follow The Pop Radar for more in-depth NBA Draft insights and player stories.
