In the days leading up to the draft, reports suggested that Utah and Charlotte -- which held the No. 4 pick -- were not among Bailey's preferred destinations. The Washington Wizards at No. 5 were reported to be the team Bailey's camp had circled. When asked if he knew the Jazz were seriously interested, Bailey said he had "no idea."

ESPN reported that Ace Bailey allegedly told a team in the top five not to draft him despite being picked by the Jazz with the fifth pick.

Ace Bailey's decision to skip workouts with every NBA team ahead of the draft led to suspicions that he potentially had a promise from a team and was trying to steer his way to that organization.