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Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey has officially moved on from the man who guided him through one of the strangest pre-draft processes in recent memory.
Bailey has parted ways with manager Omar Cooper just three months after the 2025 NBA Draft, according to The Athletic.
The 19-year-old forward is now interviewing new representation, though he has not made a final decision.
Cooper was at the center of Bailey’s turbulent draft buildup. Despite being projected as a top-five pick, the Rutgers product was “the only U.S.-based prospect in the entire draft” to refuse workouts and interviews with NBA teams. Reports even surfaced that Bailey’s camp “told one team picking in the top five to avoid drafting his client.”
That plan was thought to be an attempt to steer Bailey toward the Washington Wizards, who held the sixth pick. Instead, the Utah Jazz took him at number five, ignoring the noise.
While the relationship looked rocky at first, things stabilized once Bailey reported to Salt Lake City. He quickly flashed his potential in Summer League, showing “a few flashes of greatness in two games before being sidelined with an injury.”
Cooper, who is not a certified agent, was widely believed to be the driving force behind Bailey’s refusal to engage with teams before the draft. Moving on from him now signals a shift for the rookie, as he focuses on building trust and continuity with the Jazz.
“Bailey is reportedly seeking new representation and has already performed some interviews, though hasn’t settled on a choice yet,” The Athletic noted.
For the Jazz, Bailey’s decision to split with Cooper is likely a positive step. After a controversial draft journey, the rookie forward has the chance to let his play do the talking, and leave the behind-the-scenes drama firmly in the past.
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