Rose wary of Butler drama: 'I'm happy it's not me, to tell you the truth'

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose is no stranger to intense scrutiny over his off-court behavior. From a 2016 civil suit stemming from rape allegations (he was absolved of wrongdoing), to suddenly leaving the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers midseason in each of the past two years, pundits have been given plenty to discuss beyond Rose's injury issues.

For that reason, he's glad he's not in teammate Jimmy Butler's position.

"I'm happy it's not me, to tell you the truth," Rose said after Timberwolves practice Friday, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "I've been through all that. Walked away (from basketball), rape case, all that."

While Butler continues to hold out for a trade away from Minnesota, Rose is relishing the opportunity to fly under the radar while he prepares for the upcoming campaign.

"I'm just trying to stay out of - out of sight, out of mind, that's why I haven't been saying nothing too crazy in the media because I'm trying to focus on what I need to focus on, and that's to have a productive year. Have a healthy year. And really help these young guys to push them and see how good they can become."

Butler and Rose played together under current Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau on the Chicago Bulls from 2011 until Rose's departure in 2016. Despite their long shared history in the NBA, Butler's decision to demand a trade caught his longtime teammate off guard.

"(Butler's trade demand) was just a surprise, not only to me, I think to everyone that he wanted to leave," said Rose. "I didn't know what the situation is. I just didn't know it was that bad. Even being here, I didn't know it was that bad."