NBA Rumors: D-Rose Surprisingly Explains Jimmy Butler Trade In Own Book

Jimmy Butler is an NBA star that carries an uncanny reputation. Some believe that he has an attitude problem -- something that first cropped up last season when he was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler demanded a trade with most believing he simply went overboard, although most never really understood the reason why he asked for one in the first place.

All that, of course, is water under the bridge although the 29-year-old is expected to face another colorful summer. There are several teams reportedly interested in getting the 6-foot-8 swingman even if his reputation precedes him. One team is the Los Angeles Lakers where LeBron James had reportedly taken the lead to talk with the 30th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. Much of this was covered in a previous post.

Derrick Rose, a long-time teammate who at the time was allegedly feuding with Butler, surprisingly provides some details on the real score on Butler in his book. Rose said that the swingman is not at fault for the whole issue. Instead, he laid the blame on the NBA for spoiling the young and rising stars even before they achieve something, the Star Tribune reported.

"Jimmy was feeling, ‘Why’d y’all pay them first and I was the one that got you to the playoffs?’ That’s all it was. Jimmy wasn’t doing it right, though he was right," Rose said in his book.

In a way, Butler may have a point considering he has proven his worth. But as far as establishing him as an NBA star, he may need to be more patient to further boost his stock. In Philly, he is surrounded by young players as well like Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. And while the word out is that he will be offered a max contract by the Sixers, changing the mindset of younger players will remain on the four-time All-Star's mind.

Actually, the same holds true for Butler if he joins another team. If he decides to join James in Hollywood, he may end up getting more frustrated if guys like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and a possibly returning Brandon Ingram do not deliver. LeBron could help ease that frustration although there is no telling up to what extent.

For Butler, playing on with the Sixers or any other team will depend on the contract handed to him. According to Phillyvoice.com, the fifth year status (fully guaranteed or not) could factor in on whether Butler will stay in Philly or not. The answer to that should be known by July.