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The Jazz insisted No. 5 pick Ace Bailey would report to the team after two days largely off the grid following the NBA Draft, and Bailey delivered on that promise Saturday.
The Rutgers product touched down in Salt Lake City alongside his family and representatives, sporting a baby blue Jazz shirt after speculation he might tell the organization he didn't want to be in Utah.
Reports both before and after Wednesday's draft indicated Bailey had his sights set on a few particular teams, and the Jazz weren't one of them. The Jazz, meanwhile, made it known through media reports that they were prepared to dig in their heels if necessary and ensure Bailey couldn't play anywhere else.
Once he arrived on Saturday, the potential for any more drama ended. Bailey says he is ready to go, and his Summer League debut for the Jazz is just a week away.
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Here's a look at Bailey's arrival in Utah to join the Jazz.
Ace Bailey arrives in Utah
Bailey landed in Salt Lake City on Saturday afternoon and was greeted by Jazz coach Will Hardy.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 28, 2025Whether he originally wanted to play for the Jazz or not, Bailey appears to understand he will be wearing purple when the season tips off in October. He said in a video posted by the Jazz that he's "ready to start the journey" and had a big smile on his face when he greeted former Jazz forward Carlos Boozer on the tarmac.
Bailey, his family, and his representatives — including controversial agent Omar Cooper — posed for a picture after arriving in Utah.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 28, 2025Jazz owner Ryan Smith said Thursday that it's the responsibility of the organization to make Bailey "love" Utah. "He doesn't have a lot of experience out West here with Utah," Smith told Pat McAfee. "That's our job to make him love it. I'm confident in our state, and he'll feel love here like he's never felt before."
Bailey is set to have an introductory press conference on Sunday and practice with the rest of the rookies on Monday. The Jazz start their Summer League schedule against VJ Edgecombe and the 76ers on July 5, in a battle of the No. 3 pick and the player many expected to be the No. 3 pick until he steered himself away from Philadelphia.
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