Overview

• Ace Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in his lone season at Rutgers before declaring for the draft.
• Bailey declined workouts and interviews with Utah and publicly voiced a preference for East Coast teams such as the Wizards or Nets.
• The Jazz ended last season with a 17-65 record and are targeting Bailey as a foundational piece in their long-term rebuilding plan.
• General manager Justin Zanik has emphasized using young talent and assets to open a championship window in the coming years.
• Utah’s supporting cast includes emerging players under coach Will Hardy and tradeable assets like John Collins, who exercised a $26.5 million option.