The Chicago Bulls are poised to shake up the NBA with their No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a selection that promises to inject high-upside talent into their roster as they embark on a full-scale rebuild. After years of hovering in the NBA’s middle ground, the Bulls have signaled a bold shift toward youth and potential, trading away key veterans like Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine. With a deep and talented draft class on the horizon, Chicago is primed to land a game-changing rookie who could redefine the franchise’s future and send shockwaves through the league. Here’s why the Bulls’ draft strategy is generating buzz and what fans can expect from their potential picks.
A New Era for the Bulls: The Rebuild Begins
The 2024-25 season marked a pivotal turning point for the Chicago Bulls. After a 39-43 campaign that landed them in the Play-In Tournament but fell short of the playoffs, the organization made decisive moves to pivot toward a youth-driven roster. Trading All-NBA defender Alex Caruso for 22-year-old point guard Josh Giddey, letting DeMar DeRozan walk in free agency, and facilitating Zach LaVine’s move to Sacramento signaled a clear departure from their win-now approach. The Bulls also selected Chicago native Matas Buzelis with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a versatile 6-foot-10 forward who has already shown flashes of two-way potential, including a career-high 31 points on 66% shooting in a 146-105 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers on March 22, 2025.
With their No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, confirmed at the draft lottery on May 12, 2025, the Bulls are positioned to add another high-ceiling prospect to their burgeoning core. Despite only having a 1.7% chance at the No. 1 pick, the depth of this draft class ensures that Chicago can still land a transformative talent even in the late lottery. The Bulls’ front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, is reportedly focused on drafting for upside rather than immediate fit, a strategy that could yield a rookie with unique skills capable of altering the franchise’s trajectory.
Top Prospects: ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Talent Awaits
The 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with prospects who possess rare combinations of size, skill, and versatility, making it an ideal opportunity for the Bulls to strike gold. Here are three standout candidates projected to be available around the No. 12 pick, each bringing a unique skill set that could make them a cornerstone for Chicago’s rebuild.
Derik Queen – Maryland’s Crafty Big Man
Maryland’s Derik Queen, a 6-foot-10 center, is frequently mocked to the Bulls at No. 12 and is described as “pound for pound one of the most fun players in this draft.” Queen’s collegiate stats are impressive: 16.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game during Maryland’s Sweet 16 run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Unlike traditional bigs who rely on size and athleticism, Queen thrives on skill, excelling in crafty inside scoring, face-up moves, and better-than-expected passing. While his defensive prowess is limited, his offensive versatility draws comparisons to Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun, albeit at an earlier developmental stage. Selecting Queen could provide a long-term replacement for Nikola Vucevic, whose contract and role may not align with Chicago’s youth movement. Draft expert Derek Parker notes that Queen’s unique skill set makes him a “niche player” with significant upside, perfectly suited for a rebuilding team willing to take a swing on talent.
Jeremiah Fears – Illinois’ Star Guard
For a team already boasting young guards like Josh Giddey and Coby White, the Bulls might still consider Illinois star Jeremiah Fears if he’s available. Fears, a 6-foot-4 guard, is a mid-lottery prospect with “legitimate star upside” due to his elite ball-handling and jump-shooting ability. During his freshman season, he shot 85% from the free-throw line, hinting at potential growth as a three-point shooter despite a modest 28% from deep on low volume. His playstyle has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook for his explosive athleticism and ability to play bigger than his size. Fears’ fit with Chicago’s backcourt isn’t perfect, but the Bulls’ commitment to drafting the best player available could lead them to this dynamic talent, who could either complement Giddey or take the reins as a primary playmaker.
Khaman Maluach – Duke’s Defensive Anchor
Another intriguing option is Duke’s 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach, a defensive-minded big with elite interior finishing and shot-blocking timing. While Maluach lacks the star potential of some peers, his ability to anchor a defense makes him a safe, high-floor pick with long-term value. Averaging solid numbers at Duke, Maluach’s quickness and 7-foot-2 frame make him a tantalizing prospect for a Bulls team looking to bolster its frontcourt. Unlike Vucevic, who is offensively oriented, Maluach offers a defensive archetype that could pair well with Chicago’s young core, particularly alongside Buzelis’ two-way potential. Draft analysts suggest Maluach could be a valuable contributor from day one, even if his ceiling is lower than flashier prospects.
Why the League Is Buzzing
The Bulls’ draft position and strategy have the NBA on edge for several reasons. First, the 2025 draft class is exceptionally deep, with franchise-altering talents like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey expected to go in the top five, but plenty of high-upside players like Queen, Fears, and Maluach are likely to be available later. Chicago’s willingness to swing for potential rather than fit sets them apart from other late-lottery teams like the Rockets, Trail Blazers, Hawks, and Spurs, who may prioritize immediate contributors. This approach could allow the Bulls to snag a player who outperforms their draft slot, much like Buzelis has begun to do.
Second, Chicago’s roster reset has created a blank canvas. With Giddey (22), White (25), and Buzelis (20) as their core, the Bulls have a young, versatile foundation that can adapt to various playstyles. Adding a player like Queen, with his Jokic-like passing, or Fears, with his Westbrook-esque explosiveness, could elevate Chicago’s ceiling and make them a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference sooner than expected. The Bulls’ recent performance—winning seven of their last ten games as of March 2025, including a statement victory over the Lakers—shows their young core is already gelling, and a high-upside rookie could accelerate their timeline.
Finally, the Bulls’ draft choice could influence the trade market. Selecting a big man like Queen or Maluach could pave the way for a Nikola Vucevic trade, freeing up minutes and cap space to further invest in youth. With the 2025 NBA Draft set for June 25-26, 2025, the league is watching closely to see if Chicago can capitalize on their No. 12 pick to land a rookie who sends tremors through the NBA.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads, and their No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft could be the spark that ignites their rebuild. With prospects like Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, and Khaman Maluach in their sights, Chicago has a chance to add a “one-of-a-kind” rookie whose unique skills could redefine the franchise. As the Bulls continue to shed their win-now pieces and embrace a youth movement, the NBA is bracing for the impact of their next draft steal. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation, knowing that Chicago’s choice could reshape the Eastern Conference and put the league on notice.