Ace Bailey has become the central focus of pre-draft trade buzz, with both the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans actively exploring moves to trade up to the No. 3 pick, currently held by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Ace Bailey is quickly becoming the hottest name in this year’s NBA Draft class—not just for his talent, but for the storm of activity he’s sparked behind the scenes.
According to NBA Draft consultant Rafael Barlowe, both the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans are actively exploring trades to move up in the draft, with their eyes set on landing Bailey.
Both franchises have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the No. 3 overall pick from the Philadelphia 76ers, where Bailey was originally expected to work out before backing out at the last minute.
“Don’t be surprised if Brooklyn makes a hard push to get into the 3rd spot to land Bailey,” Barlowe reported. “Bailey has completed at least one private workout with a team he’s zeroed in on.”
The Nets currently hold five first-round picks, and there’s speculation they’re stacking those assets to create a deal that would allow them to leap from their current No. 8 pick into the top three.
While one agent claimed Brooklyn is preparing to keep all their picks, another suggested the team is locked in on Bailey.
Meanwhile, New Orleans is also making moves. The Pelicans were first linked to Bailey weeks ago by Kevin O’Connor, and the chatter has only intensified.
They recently acquired the 23rd pick, which sources believe is part of a trade package being built to entice a team ahead of them, potentially Philadelphia.
Bailey has been one of the most talked-about prospects in this draft cycle, and his camp has been strategic about controlling his pre-draft narrative.
After going radio silent on public workouts and skipping his Philly session, Bailey has completed at least one private workout, but it’s unclear with which team.
“Let’s just say,” Barlowe added, “some believe Bailey could be hoping to find his shooting rhythm in a city known for jazz.”
