Ace Bailey Cuts Ties With Manager Omar Cooper Amid Draft Dispute
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Utah Jazz rookie forward Ace Bailey has ended his relationship with manager Omar Cooper and is seeking new representation, sources told ESPN on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
Bailey, selected fifth overall by Utah in June, made the move after a turbulent pre-draft period. According to prior ESPN reporting, his representatives warned at least one team picking inside the top five not to choose him, saying he would refuse to report. The strategy was believed to be an effort to direct the former Rutgers standout to the Washington Wizards, owners of the No. 6 pick.
Utah, conducting its first draft under newly hired president of basketball operations Austin Ainge, chose Bailey anyway. Uncertainty over his arrival lasted only briefly; the 6-foot-9 forward ultimately joined the Jazz on schedule and participated in summer league play.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his lone college season and is expected to compete for a starting role in head coach Will Hardy’s lineup. He previously played alongside current Dallas Mavericks forward and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg at Montverde Academy in Florida.
The Athletic first reported Bailey’s decision to separate from Cooper.
Source: ESPN
