McDermott doesn't get Butler criticism: 'Jimmy's been great for me'

Jimmy Butler's name has been the subject of trade rumors ever since the Chicago Bulls missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons two months ago.

The 26-year-old is coming off a year in which he led the Bulls in scoring, but also had to deal with some locker room conflict. He had a rift with head coach Fred Hoiberg that's since been said to be repaired and there was also an issue in the spring, as some players were bothered by Butler apparently receiving special treatment from the front office.

At least one player, however, has come to Butler's defense and believes he's been an instrumental part to not only his personal success, but the team's as well.

"I haven't been in Chicago that long, so I only know Jimmy how he's been the last two years," second-year forward Doug McDermott told of Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times. "He's really good with us young guys. He's always trying to make us better and I think that shows a lot that he's inviting guys like myself, Bobby [Portis], Tony [Snell] to come work out with him.

"I try and stay out of that other stuff. I know he's been criticized, and I know a lot of guys have been criticized after the season we had. That's just the way it is these days. But I think Jimmy has been great for me and I don't have one bad word to say about him. He's done a lot for me that I wouldn't have expected coming into Chicago and this league. I think there are just a lot of things going on."

Butler has four years and more then $70 million remaining on his deal. The Minnesota Timberwolves are rumored to be interested in acquiring Butler, though the Bulls reportedly would want Andrew Wiggins back in return.