Bailey wasn’t the only Scarlet Knight to make the leap to the NBA on Wednesday. The Spurs selected Harper with the second pick, adding him to a promising backcourt alongside Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. While Harper celebrated the milestone, he also used his appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn on Thursday to address the controversy swirling around Bailey’s response to being drafted by Utah.

In a conversation with Carmelo Anthony, Harper offered strong praise for Bailey’s game and emphasized why he believes the Jazz landed an ideal fit. He framed Bailey as a player who brings elite skill and positive energy to any team he joins — both on and off the floor.

“I mean, he’s what — 6’8″, 6’9″, gets to his spots, rises up over people,” Harper said. “I think his IQ is very underrated. It’s hard to get to your spots like he does. Like, he doesn’t care if there are two or three guys in front of him — he’s going to get to his spot and shoot over you.”

Harper continued, “The way he approaches the game, any team’s going to love him. He brings energy every day. If you’re talking about someone who never runs out of energy and can be a vocal leader in the locker room — someone who’ll make you laugh and keep everyone connected — that’s him.”

Despite Harper’s praise, Bailey has yet to fully embrace his new team. According to multiple reports, Bailey declined to travel to Utah with fellow Jazz first-rounder Walter Clayton Jr. That decision follows pre-draft efforts by Bailey’s camp to steer him away from certain destinations, including allegedly warning at least one team in the top five not to select him.

The Jazz, led by Danny Ainge, moved forward regardless. At No. 5, they selected the player they believed had the most upside. Utah, in desperate need of wing depth and scoring versatility, sees Bailey as someone who can step in and contribute immediately.

Now, all eyes turn to whether Bailey will show up and commit to the Jazz. If he attempts to hold out, Ainge and Utah could take disciplinary action — including suspending him or refusing to accommodate a trade request — a scenario that could quickly escalate into one of the offseason’s biggest stories.

Ace Bailey didn’t just get drafted—he landed with weight, hype and a paycheck to match. The Utah Jazz saw something bigger than raw talent, and his contract reflects a vision built for the long haul.

His salary might grab headlines, but the real story is what it says about his role in a franchise that’s reshaping its identity. In Salt Lake City, he’s not just filling a roster spot, he’s part of a blueprint.

The deal sets the tone: expectations are high, the investment is real, and the runway is long. His NBA chapter starts with numbers, yes—but it’s the noise around them that signals just how much is riding on this move.

What is Ace Bailey’s salary with the Utah Jazz?

Ace Bailey will earn approximately $6.8 million in his rookie season (2025–26), as part of the rookie salary scale for a top-five pick. His salary is set to increase each year, reaching around $7.2 million in 2026–27 and $7.5 million in 2027–28, with a fourth-year team option projected at $9.3 million for the 2028–29 season.

The total value of his four-year rookie contract could exceed $30 million, depending on the percentage above the rookie scale that the Jazz agreed to (teams can offer between 80% and 120% of the scale amount). He also enters the league with strong endorsement potential.

How long will Ace Bailey be with the Utah Jazz?

Ace Bailey is under contract with the Utah Jazz through at least the 2027–28 season, with a team option for 2028–29. That means the Jazz control his rookie deal for four seasons, from 2025 to 2029, according to Football Network.

Under NBA rules, a player can become eligible for a contract extension after their third year—so the 2027 offseason will be pivotal. In short, he could be wearing a Jazz jersey until 2029, and possibly well beyond if he proves to be the franchise cornerstone they drafted him to be.

Initially, the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets were rumored to be keen on acquiring Bailey. However, just days before the draft, these teams shifted their focus, leading to the Hornets selecting Kon Knueppel and the 76ers choosing VJ Edgecombe.

With these uncertainties now behind him, Bailey expressed his readiness to don the Jazz jersey, addressing any lingering doubts about his satisfaction with the draft outcome. “I can control what I can control,” Bailey stated.

“They feel how they feel. But my team and I are focused on basketball, and things happen for a reason,” he added, conveying his mindset upon learning of his new role with the Jazz. Bailey’s positive outlook and determination signal a promising new chapter for both the player and the Utah Jazz as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

Bailey’s prospective future with the Jazz

The Utah Jazz are gearing up for a comeback in the upcoming NBA season following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that left their fan base dissatisfied. Contributing to the tumult were key mid-season roster decisions. Now, with the 5th overall pick in the first round of the draft, the Jazz aim to strengthen their lineup with top-tier talent.

This offseason, speculation surrounds a potential move for Bailey, with a trade to another team as a plausible strategy for acquiring new stars. However, such a trade seems unlikely given their comments on working in a relationship between the organization and the player.

If rumors regarding Bailey’s initial reaction to being drafted by the Jazz hold true, both parties may need to address this in order to ensure a productive collaboration moving forward. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Bailey had reportedly preferred landing spots in Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn, which might be key to resolving any discomfort stemming from his draft selection.

Bailey’s stats at Rutgers

Why is Bailey considered so promising? As noted by Rotowire.com, his impressive stat line at Rutgers University was further highlighted by a noteworthy performance at the NBA Draft Combine. Let’s delve into his last season collegiate stats.

Bailey’s stats during his sole collegiate season included:

• 17.6 points per game
• 7.2 rebounds per game
• 1.3 assists per game
• 1.3 blocks per game
• 1.0 steals per game
• 33.4 minutes per game
• 46/35/69 shooting splits on 14.7 field-goal attempts
• 4.5 three-point attempts and 3.6 free-throw attempts per game

Bailey, who has committed to play for Rutgers University, is expected to make a significant impact in the NBA, according to analysts. His combination of speed, agility, and height sets him apart from other prospects expected to be drafted on Wednesday.

Despite these strengths, there are teams that might pass on Bailey. Particularly, the Charlotte Hornets, who hold the fourth pick in the first round, reportedly have other preferences.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN notes that the Hornets are exploring trade-down scenarios or leaning towards selecting among Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, and Tre Johnson. On Bailey, Givony adds, “The fact that Bailey didn’t worked out with the team could be a crucial factor for them to not picking him.”

Paul George weighs in on Bailey’s strategy

While the 76ers are apparently not selecting Bailey, Paul George has publicly addressed Bailey’s decision not to participate in workouts with NBA franchises. He focused his response on his perspective regarding the draft, given that he has not yet been selected.

Speaking on his podcast, George criticized Bailey’s approach, stating, “You’re not in a position to be making all these demands. Make it to the league first… his way of going about it is just not right.” These remarks have fueled speculation among fans that Philadelphia’s dissatisfaction may be influencing their draft decision.

A franchise with Bailey as a top priority

On a more optimistic note for Bailey, NBA Draft Consultant Rafael Barlowe has revealed that a specific franchise is highly interested in him. “Some believe Bailey could be hoping to find his shooting rhythm in a city known for jazz. But it’s not just Brooklyn. New Orleans has been linked to Bailey,” Barlowe shared on the NBA Big Board podcast.

Barlowe elaborated: “The interest was first reported by Kevin O’Connor weeks ago, and it’s only intensified. I’ve been told the Pelicans are very, very serious about trying to move up and make Bailey their guy.”

Bailey possesses a coveted blend of athleticism and skill, standing at an impressive 6-foot-10. Nearing his 19th birthday, he is a player that any franchise would be eager to acquire, setting the stage for him to be a standout next season in the NBA.

Noted NBA insider Brett Siegel reports that the Sixers were initially interested in drafting Bailey. However, current rumors indicate they may pivot towards another prospect.

“As of right now, the shared sentiment around the league is that the 76ers won’t be taking Bailey,” Siegel wrote in his analysis for Clutch Points. With this potential shift in strategy, fans are eagerly awaiting draft day to see how the Sixers plan to rejuvenate their roster for the upcoming season.

Sixers’ potential moves in the NBA Draft

The Sixers continue to weigh their options as the NBA Draft approaches, with recent reports indicating a shift in their strategy. Despite earlier speculation, Bailey is not expected to be their choice. As reported, the Sixers are contemplating two primary alternatives for their first-round decision.

According to Sieger, the Sixers could either opt to trade their draft selection or use their third overall pick to choose Edgecombe. Sieger shared these insights via his social media account on platform X, highlighting the potential paths the franchise might take with their coveted draft position.

Bailey’s highlights

Compiling comprehensive statistics for high school athletes can often prove challenging as they don’t always mirror the extensive data available for college or professional players. However, insights into Bailey’s senior year showcase his exceptional performance:

• Dominant Force: Bailey stood out as the star player for McEachern High School, regularly delivering impressive performances. His leadership was pivotal as he averaged approximately:
  • 20-25+ points per game
  • 10+ rebounds per game
• Team Success: Under Bailey’s leadership, McEachern enjoyed a successful season, contending for state championships and consistently ranking among the top high school teams at a national level.

Ace Bailey isn’t just a name trending in basketball circles, it’s a signal that something special is coming. With every fast break and dunk, the young forward turns heads and fuels the hype machine.

With a towering presence, fluid skillset and the kind of confidence you can’t teach, he’s writing his own script—one highlight at a time. The buzz around him has been louder than some seasoned pros, and now, it’s officially NBA-level.

In 2025, he was drafted by the Utah Jazz, marking the start of what many expect to be a standout career. From high school gyms to college courts to the league, his journey is gaining speed and he’s poised to lead the next generation.

How old is Ace Bailey?

Airious “Ace” Bailey was born on August 13, 2006, making him 18 years old as of June 2025. Turning 19 in August, he entered Rutgers as one of the youngest in his class and quickly made an impact as a freshman standout.

How tall is Ace Bailey?

Listed at 6’10” and around 210 pounds, Ace Bailey brings size and length rare for a wing. However, at the NBA Combine he measured closer to 6’7.5″, raising some eyebrows among scouts tracking his physical profile.

What team did Ace Bailey play for in college?

Ace Bailey made headlines when he committed to Rutgers University, choosing a program not typically known for landing five-star talent. It was a bold move, one that immediately elevated expectations for the Scarlet Knights and turned the spotlight toward Piscataway.

On the court, he quickly emerged as the team’s focal point, blending length, athleticism, and a polished offensive game. He started nearly every game of his freshman year and led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per outing.

His performances earned him a place on both the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten Third Team—an impressive feat in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences.

But beyond the numbers, he brought a sense of momentum to the program. Rutgers, often seen as an underdog in the Big Ten hierarchy, suddenly had a player with NBA potential leading its roster.

Ace Bailey’s career highlights

2024 McDonald’s All-American: Bailey joined the elite ranks of high school stars to be invited to this prestigious event, a classic proving ground for future NBA talent.

Nike Hoop Summit & Jordan Brand Classic selection: He didn’t just show up—he performed. His play in these elite showcases put him firmly on NBA scouts’ radars, displaying his three-level scoring and mobility against top global peers.

39-point game vs. Indiana (February 2025): This breakout performance wasn’t just a scoring display—it came in a conference matchup where Bailey dominated every phase. He became just the second freshman in Rutgers history to score 39 or more.

Back-to-back 20+ point games at the 2025 Players Era Festival: During this post-season scouting showcase, Bailey dropped 22 and 24 points in consecutive outings, confirming his reputation as a reliable shot-creator under pressure.

Earned praise from NBA stars: Paul George singled him out as a “future All-Star” on his Podcast P show, while Kevin Durant called him “a natural scorer with killer instincts” in a post-game interview after watching Bailey in person.

After posting 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in 30 games with the Scarlet Knights, not many are sold on Bailey’s abilities to be consistent in the league.

Draft expert Jonathan Givony shot down any notion suggesting that Bailey can’t be a solid player in the association. During an appearance on the “Dunc’d On” podcast with Nate Duncan, Givony didn’t mince words.

NBA expert talks about Ace Bailey’s ceiling

“I’ve watched him enough to be bullish about his upside and what he brings to the table and the level of competitor that he is and his talent,” Givony said per Sportskeeda. “But I understand all the skepticism and all the red flags that people have and and so it’s going to be very fascinating to see how it turns out.”

Givony also detailed how Bailey’s versatility and athleticism can allow him to play more than one position in the association.

“He can play three. He can play four. You can even play some jumbo lineups with him at the two,” Givony said. “I just think that his floor is going to end up being pretty high And I think he’s got a very very high ceiling.“

After Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey is perhaps the best player in this year’s class. That said, some people still think he needs to prove his value.

That’s why some people have been shocked to watch his decision not to work out for several teams picking near the top of the 2025 NBA Draft. He’s now slipping in most big boards.

And according to ESPN insider Jeremy Woo, this isn’t a coincidence. Apparently, Bailey and his camp are botching things because they’re actively looking to avoid certain teams, namely the Utah Jazz.

Ace Bailey doesn’t want to play for the Utah Jazz

“Bailey, who continues sliding down the board in this scenario, doesn’t appear to have much interest in Utah and is viewed by most teams as a riskier bet,” wrote Woo.

For years, Jazz fans have drawn a tough reputation among some players. Perhaps it has nothing to do with that, and he just doesn’t want to play for a rebuilding team, but his approach to the draft has definitely been far from orthodox. The Jazz have the No. 5 pick, and Bailey may no longer be an option.

Some believe that he’s the most talented player in this class, and he might have a higher upside than Cooper Flagg. Then again, it may take a while before he reaches that level.

That’s why his decision not to work out for several teams has turned plenty of heads around the league. Apparently, he’s only going to work out with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team in possession of the No. 3 selection.

Ace Bailey might be scaring teams away

“Bailey’s camp has informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-3 player in the draft, but also seeks a clear pathway to stardom, perhaps feeling comfortable that a team will trade up to get him at Nos. 3 or 4, should he drop,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote.

Bailey was already a controversial subject among NBA teams. Now, it seems like no one wants to be the team that passed on him, but they’re not so sure about taking him either.

“He scares people because they don’t want to draft him, and also because they’re worried if they don’t draft him, he’s going to become a star and make them look very stupid,“ added Givony.

There’s never something like a ‘can’t-miss’ player in the NBA Draft, regardless of the talent and physical tools, and it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds come draft night.

Fortunately for them, that led to the No. 3 pick, and with it, an opportunity to land Rutgers star Ace Bailey, who, on paper, could be a perfect complement to their roster.

Nevertheless, multiple teams are keeping tabs on the talented combo forward. And with the Sixers’ history of swinging for the fences, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints believes they will be open for business.

The Sixers could trade the No. 3 pick

“(GM Daryl) Morey is never one to shy away from making a big trade, which is why this pick will be brought up in rumors until the 76ers actually make a selection on draft night. Right now, roughly two weeks from the NBA Draft, Bailey looks to be the frontrunner to be Philadelphia’s pick,” wrote Siegel.

The Sixers might not want to wait for a player like Bailey to develop, given that their NBA championship window is still technically open. Then again, they could come to regret this decision.

While he’s still pretty raw and might need a couple of years to be a consistent contributor, Bailey’s physical tools and offensive skills are definitely worth rolling the dice.

In a class full of talent, including Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, Bailey’s teammate Dylan Harper, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe and Maryland’s Derik Queen, among others, Bailey made a lot of noise during his first and only campaign at Rutgers.

The Scarlett Knights couldn’t compete against the stronger programs in college basketball last season, posting a 14-17 record at the end of the season, which included a first-round elimination in the Big Ten tournament against the USC Trojans. Their star duo is set to take the next step in their basketball journey and they’re getting a lot of praise in the process.

Carmelo Anthony showers Ace Bailey with praise

With the 2025 NBA Draft drawing closer, analysts, fans and former players continue to share their verdict on some of the prospects we’re going to see in the association. Carmelo Anthony, for instance, is fond of Ace Bailey.

The former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets’ star lauded the guard during a recent appearance on the “Podcast P” show with Paul George: “I love Ace,” Anthony said. “His skill set and his will to get to a spot to work on certain stuff. He’s relentless working on spots on the court.”

The Syracuse Orange legend said that Bailey’s game resembles other players, which is why he doesn’t get as much attention and credit as others.

“We’ve seen Ace before,” Anthony said. “That’s why it’s not talked about like that. We’ve seen Ace, we’ve seen PG, we’ve seen KG, we’ve seen Melo. That’s why it’s not talked about.”

Bailey could be the first name to be called after Cooper Flagg goes to the Dallas Mavericks, but time will tell how soon he’s off the board.