Fret not, Chicago Bulls fans. There's no beef between Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.
The two All-Star guards were reportedly at odds with one another during the Bulls' playoff run. As reported by Dan Bernstein of CBS Chicago, Rose's passive showing during the Bulls' final playoff game stemmed from Butler's emergence as their top scorer.
Butler led the Bulls in scoring at 22.9, with Rose trailing at 20.3 per game. However, Rose saw more of the ball and used more possessions, topping Butler in usage percentage at 29.1 to 24.1 percent.
With Butler's status as a restricted free agent this summer, there's some concern over the viability of the pair's future in Chicago. With Rose already tied to a maximum contract, keeping Butler in town could make for awkwardness.
However, Forman put those worries to rest on Friday.
"I haven't seen (friction)," said general manager Gar Forman, as relayed by K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
"In all our minds, you've got two guys who can attack, want to run, can play off the dribble and playmake for themselves and others. They haven't had a chance to do it a whole lot because of the injuries. But there's no reason those two shouldn't be able to play at a high level and be one of the best backcourts in the league."
Newly-minted head coach Fred Hoiberg echoed Forman's sentiments.
"I think they complement each other beautifully," Hoiberg said of Rose and Butler. "I'm looking forward to trying to put those guys in great spots where they can continue to be All-Star-caliber players."
With any concerns of chemistry put to rest, the Bulls can now concentrate on re-signing Butler. The 25-year-old is reportedly seeking a short-term contract after coming off a career-year in which he averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals this season while shooting 37.8 percent from deep.
