Ace Bailey Didn't Work Out For Any NBA Teams Before The Draft—And It May Have Cost Him Millions

One of the biggest stories leading up to the NBA Draft was where Ace Bailey would end up. By all accounts, he was the third-best player in the draft. He was rated behind only Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, who went first and second, respectively. But Bailey made it clear he didn't want to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the No. 3 pick. Bailey also wasn't particularly interested in the Charlotte Hornets at No. 4 or the Utah Jazz at the fifth pick.

Bailey preferred to go to either the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets. Those teams were selecting 6th, 7th, and 8th. To try and end up at his desired destination, Bailey opted to skip working out for any team, the only U.S. prospect to do so.

His plan almost worked. The 76ers chose Baylor guard V.J. Edgcombe, and the Hornets took Kon Knueppel out of Duke. However, the Jazz couldn't resist taking the top talent remaining and chose Bailey at No. 5.

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Had Bailey been selected with the third pick, he would have made $50,438,478 over his first four seasons on a rookie contract. By sliding to the fifth spot, Bailey will instead make $41,209,782 during his rookie contract. That's more than $9 million that he'll miss out on.

Bailey smiled and seemed excited about getting drafted, even if he was chosen by a team he didn't want to play for. Yet, this might actually be the best situation for him to find himself in.

Led by Lauri Markannen, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton, the Jazz had the worst record in the NBA last season and there's an opening at the wing position. Bailey could slot in and become the face of the franchise. That sets him up for a max contract after this rookie deal is done, which would be worth well over nine figures. He might not have nearly as many opportunities to shine in other franchises.

In the long run, Bailey could still very well make a lot of money. For now, he's giving up millions to hopefully land in a better playing situation.