NBA Insiders Believe Ace Bailey Has 'Received Assurances' From Team Ahead of Draft

Rutgers wing Ace Bailey has been criticized for his questionable predraft strategy, but some reportedly feel that he already knows where he's headed in the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday.

In their latest mock draft, ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo reported that Bailey's decision to decline workout invites from multiple teams picking in the top five indicates that he already has an idea of where he will end up.

"Bailey's camp states they 'feel confident going into the draft process,' which most NBA teams interpret as meaning he has received assurances of being selected by a team considered more advantageous to Bailey in the long term, considering factors such as geography, minutes, role, opportunity and development," Givony stated.

Givony noted that Bailey declined workout invites from the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz. He was predicted to land with the Washington Wizards at the No. 6 pick, and B/R's Jonathan Wasserman had the same projection in his final mock draft.

Still, Givony noted that Bailey falling out of the top five "could cost him $10 million to $15 million." This isn't the first time that a top prospect chose to put himself in a less favorable position, as Wizards rookie center Alex Sarr reportedly "appeared to discourage Atlanta from considering him with the No. 1 pick [in 2024], ultimately dropping to Washington at No. 2 as he had hoped."

Of course, this could prove to be a sound strategy if Bailey reaches his full potential in the NBA.

"Despite the negative publicity this move has generated, rival agents are closely monitoring Bailey's strategy, recognizing the clear benefits of guiding clients to more favorable situations with an eye on maximizing long-term earning potential," Givony stated. "Bailey could potentially recoup the money he loses in his first contract with a much larger second contract, especially if he achieves his very high ceiling as an All-Star-caliber shotmaking wing."