The 2025 NBA Draft lottery has come and gone, and the Chicago Bulls are set to pick 12th overall. While fans held out hope for another miracle, the lottery results stayed true to probabilities. What does this outcome mean for the Bulls, and how might it affect the team’s future? Let's break down the results, the implications, and what comes next for Chicago’s beloved basketball franchise.

Lottery Results: Staying Put at No. 12

For Bulls fans, lottery night brought a wave of nostalgia. The team once beat nearly impossible odds in 2008 to land Derrick Rose, having only a 1.7% chance at the top pick. In 2025, the numbers lined up almost identically, but lightning did not strike twice. This year, the Bulls maintained their projected position and will draft at No. 12. The Dallas Mavericks, thanks to a lucky break in a coin flip and a 1.8% chance, secured the number one pick. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is widely expected to be the top selection.

Read more about the specific lottery outcome and what it means for the front office’s plans in this insightful write-up from the Chicago Sun-Times, which details how player development and meaningful games won out over potential tanking.

Draft Strategy and Roster Implications

Executive Vice President Arturas Karnisovas has repeatedly emphasized a commitment to "competitive integrity." Rather than tanking for position, the Bulls focused on developing their young talent through meaningful late-season games. This strategy paid off in team growth but didn’t alter their lottery luck.

Notably, the Bulls’ situation stands in contrast to teams like the Mavericks, 76ers, and Spurs who saw their own fortunes rise, thanks in part to end-of-season strategies. Some analysts argue the Bulls’ approach may limit the upside of their draft spot, but the team is steadfast in prioritizing player growth and culture.

A CBS Chicago recap provides further context, drawing parallels to the 2008 lottery and highlighting the stakes of this year’s results.

Key Prospects at No. 12

With the 12th pick, the Bulls may have several intriguing options. Mock drafts have suggested South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles as a strong candidate, especially for his defensive prowess and work ethic. This pick could add needed depth and energy to a roster still searching for a spark to elevate it back into contention.

Curious about how the Bulls' options stack up? The Chicago Tribune offers a rundown of the selection margin, and how the Bulls’ fate was sealed by a single coin flip.

Offseason Outlook: What Comes Next?

The Bulls front office remains open to all possibilities, from trading the pick to assembling a package for a veteran star or targeting upside talent. Karnisovas made it clear: “Everything is on the table.” Fans can expect plenty of speculation leading up to the NBA Draft on June 25.

While the No. 12 pick isn’t as tantalizing as the top three, it can still be a valuable asset. The Bulls’ recent focus on development positions them well to extract value, whether by drafting, trading, or reshaping the roster in another way.

Conclusion

Landing at No. 12 in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery might not be the splash Bulls Nation hoped for, but it's another chapter in the ongoing rebuild. With a history of finding value and a front office open to deals, the Chicago Bulls will look to maximize their position. As the draft approaches, anticipation builds. Will the Bulls strike gold at 12, or will a major move shake up the roster? Stay tuned, Bulls fans, as another pivotal offseason unfolds in Chicago.