Report: Bulls player unhappy with 'preferential treatment' for Butler

The dysfunction in the Chicago Bulls' locker room appears to run deep, and now that the team has been eliminated from postseason contention for the first time in eight years, certain somethings are reportedly beginning to fester.

All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler didn't travel with the team to New Orleans for the Bulls' game against the Pelicans on Monday night because of a family issue. He did eventually join the team and play in the game - recording a team-high 23 points and 11 assists - and he's decided to suit up for the meaningless final games, while several of his teammates have shut it down. Still, at least one Bulls player chafed at what he felt was just another example of the special treatment Butler's been receiving all season.

From ESPN's Chris Broussard:

I know at least one player in particular, a starter, who felt like he was a bit bothered by the fact that Jimmy wasn't on the plane. ... He felt it was emblematic of a little bit of the preferential treatment that a lot of people say Butler's been getting now that he's emerged as the best player on the Bulls from the front office and things like that.

There have been reports of tension between Butler and Derrick Rose - who's been supplanted as the face of the franchise - as well as between Butler and head coach Fred Hoiberg, who cited Butler's public comments that he needed to "coach harder" midway through the season as a negative turning point for the Bulls.

Chicago's front office has reportedly even considered dealing Butler - despite his being a superstar in his prime, on an affordable contract - because of his seemingly strained relationships with his coach and teammates.

Whatever the case, Butler's tenure as top dog clearly hasn't gone the way the Bulls hoped, and after a crushingly disappointing season for the organization, this summer could prove to be a transitional one.

- With h/t to PBT