Bailey, a highly touted wing from Rutgers, was widely projected as a top-three pick. Yet, just days before the draft, reports surfaced that his camp had issued a direct warning to at least one team in the top five: do not select him, or he would not report to training camp.

A Rare and Risky Move

According to multiple outlets, Bailey’s representatives took the unusual step of contacting a top-five team and making it clear that the player did not want to be drafted by them. The message was blunt: if selected, Bailey would not show up for camp.

While the specific franchise was not named in public reports, speculation centered on teams outside Bailey’s preferred destinations—namely, the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. Bailey’s camp was reportedly hoping he would land with the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets, who held picks six through eight.

This maneuver is rare in modern NBA drafts, where most prospects are eager for any opportunity to go high. Bailey’s camp believed that by steering him away from certain franchises, they could better control his career trajectory and maximize his development and marketability. However, the move drew criticism from league executives and analysts, who saw it as a risky play that could backfire.

Utah Jazz Call the Bluff

Despite the warning, the Utah Jazz—holding the No. 5 pick—opted to call Bailey’s bluff. The Jazz had not received a workout or in-person visit from Bailey, but their front office, led by Austin Ainge, was undeterred. They selected Bailey, citing his explosive scoring, athleticism, and star potential as too valuable to pass up in their rebuilding phase.

After the pick, Bailey maintained a professional tone, telling reporters he was focused on basketball and would control what he could control. His agent, Omar Cooper, defended their approach as standard business, emphasizing that Bailey had participated in the NBA Draft Combine and met with teams in Chicago.

The episode has left Bailey with something to prove in Utah, where fans and the organization will be watching closely to see how he responds to the challenge. For the Jazz, the decision to ignore the warning and draft the best available talent could pay off if Bailey embraces the opportunity and delivers on his potential.