The Chicago Bulls will pick 12th in the 2025 NBA Draft after losing a critical tie-breaking coin flip to the Dallas Mavericks—costing them any chance at selecting Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.
Despite finishing the 2024-2025 NBA season with identical 39-43 records and both being eliminated in the Play-In Tournament, the Mavericks edged out the Bulls due to a decisive April 21 coin toss. That coin flip ultimately gave Dallas the edge in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery—and the top overall pick.
The Mavericks’ unexpected lottery win gave them the rights to Cooper Flagg, a projected franchise-changing prospect out of Duke University. Flagg averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season while showcasing elite two-way potential, making him the consensus No. 1 pick in mock drafts.
NBA Draft Lottery 2025: Mavericks Win Big, Bulls Left Waiting
Thirteen NBA teams entered the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with hopes of landing the top pick. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each had a 14% chance due to league-worst records. However, the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers made surprise jumps into the top four, pushing more favorable odds teams down the draft order.
Although the Bulls had just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick, their draft fate was sealed weeks earlier. The coin toss loss to Dallas became pivotal, determining who picked first between the two similarly positioned teams.
Cooper Flagg to the Mavericks: Dallas Rebuild Gets Major Boost
Dallas’ lottery victory follows months of scrutiny after the controversial Luka Dončić trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. General Manager Nico Harrison faced intense backlash, and injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving only compounded the criticism.
Now, with Cooper Flagg reportedly staying in the draft after a standout Final Four performance, the Mavericks are expected to keep the pick and build around him—giving them a shot to return as Western Conference contenders.
What’s Next for the Bulls in the 2025 NBA Draft?
The Bulls still have a chance to land a strong prospect at No. 12 in a deep 2025 draft class. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor projects Chicago to select Jase Richardson, a skilled combo guard from Michigan State and son of former NBA star Jason Richardson.
Richardson brings a polished midrange game and strong off-ball movement, which could mesh well alongside Josh Giddey in the Bulls’ backcourt. Though slightly undersized, his basketball IQ and offensive versatility make him an intriguing fit for Chicago’s evolving roster.
When is the 2025 NBA Draft?
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Bulls fans will be watching closely to see how the front office pivots after missing out on Cooper Flagg—and if they can still land a future star at No. 12.
