UTAH — Ace Bailey has moved on from agent Omar Cooper, according to Jazz Insider Tony Jones of the Athletic. Bailey is now searching for new representation after parting ways with the longtime advisor. Sources say Bailey’s camp has already interviewed potential candidates but has not finalized a decision.
Jazz Win, Wizards Lose As Ace Bailey Makes Big Decision
The move comes after weeks of speculation about Cooper’s influence on Bailey’s pre-draft process. Cooper, who runs LifeStyle Sports Agency, is not certified with the NBPA but still advised Bailey during his draft journey. That guidance, however, has since come under scrutiny.
Draft Controversy Surrounding Bailey
During the lead-up to the draft, Cooper reportedly advised Bailey to skip workouts for any of the top five teams. The widespread belief was that Cooper wanted Bailey to land with the Washington Wizards, who held the No. 6 pick. His son, Sharife Cooper, had just signed a two-way contract with Washington, raising eyebrows across the league.
In fact, Bailey’s camp went so far as to tell at least one top-five team that he would not report if drafted. The Philadelphia 76ers came closest to securing a workout, but after Bailey’s camp backed out, they used the No. 3 pick on guard VJ Edgecombe.
This handling of Bailey’s draft journey created tension. While the Wizards loomed as a possible destination, Bailey had no personal ties to Washington. Growing up in Georgia and attending Rutgers in New Jersey, his closest NBA connection would have been the Brooklyn Nets, not the Wizards.
Jazz Move Forward With Bailey a
The Jazz still managed to land Bailey despite the drama, and they now view him as part of their future. The organization interviewed him at the pre-draft combine in Chicago but never hosted him in Utah for a workout. Despite the unconventional path, Bailey is now expected to compete for a starting role under head coach Will Hardy.
This shift in representation could help reset his image. By parting ways with Cooper, Bailey appears ready to build trust with the Jazz front office and embrace Utah as home. The Jazz, who bet on his upside despite the pre-draft noise, now look like the biggest winners in this saga.
The Fallout For Cooper And The Wizards
The split also casts a shadow over Omar Cooper’s credibility as an agent. Many questioned his lack of NBPA certification and his aggressive steering of Bailey’s draft process. Cooper’s focus on the Wizards — especially with his son Sharife securing a two-way contract there — raises further concerns about conflicts of interest.
What once looked like a potential pairing between Bailey and the Wizards has evaporated. Instead, the storyline now centers on Ace Bailey parting ways with Omar Cooper, with the Jazz standing to benefit while Washington loses out.
A Fresh Start In Utah
Bailey’s decision to part with Cooper signals a fresh start. By choosing to align more closely with the Jazz, he distances himself from controversy and positions himself for growth. His ability to win over the organization — and the fan base — will determine whether this chapter becomes a cautionary tale or a springboard for success.
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