Ace Bailey Breaks Up with Agent After NBA Drama
Ace Bailey’s split from manager Omar Cooper is sending waves through NBA circles just months after a controversial pre-draft saga shaped the young prospect’s arrival in Utah.
The drama started well before Ace Bailey’s name was called fifth overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Guided by Omar Cooper, Bailey adopted an unusually aggressive approach in the pre-draft process, reportedly refusing workouts with several top lottery teams and expressing preferences for only a select few franchises, most notably the Washington Wizards.
This strategy, coordinated by Cooper, raised eyebrows and may have cost Bailey a higher draft position and millions in earnings. Despite strong interest from Philadelphia and Charlotte, he landed in Utah after the Jazz made a bold move in the face of swirling rumors and uncertainty.
The Fallout and the Search for Stability
Bailey’s pre-draft actions have continued to echo in the early months of his pro career. Cooper’s controversial tactics, compounded by his lack of NBPA certification, put him under scrutiny and may have contributed to the player-manager split.
Utah’s experiment with bringing Cooper’s son onto the Summer League staff was quickly shut down after NBA intervention, illustrating just how intertwined—and problematic—the relationship had become.
The recent decision to move on from Cooper is seen as a crucial step for both Bailey and the Jazz, signaling an effort to turn the page on a turbulent chapter and focus on development in Salt Lake City.
Looking Ahead: Bailey’s Fresh Start in Utah
With Bailey now seeking new representation ahead of training camp, attention turns to his transition from a highly scrutinized prospect to a foundational piece of Utah’s young core.
Recent reports and Bailey’s public statements point to a player eager to make his mark and embrace the opportunity with the Jazz, despite the rough beginnings.
Headlining a roster of promising talents—including Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier—Bailey has a chance to rewrite the narrative and prove his focus is firmly on basketball, not off-court drama.
If he can leave managerial distractions behind, Bailey’s story might finally shift from headlines about his representation to box scores and highlight reels in Utah.
