With the 2025–26 NBA season a month away, a new report has shed light on Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey’s draft-night intentions . According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 19-year-old forward preferred to land with the Washington Wizards , not the Utah Jazz, who ultimately selected him No. 5 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

“This one has been in circulation since draft night in June: Washington is the lottery team, according to various rivals, that was the preferred landing spot for Ace Bailey,” Stein reported Monday. “Bailey's camp refused to engage with teams interested in bringing him in for an individual workout in the days leading up to the June 25 draft in the apparent hope of steering himself to the Wizards.”

The Wizards held the No. 6 overall pick, just one spot behind Utah. D

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