NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose Reportedly Feuding, Butler Headed out of Chicago?

Chicago Bulls stars Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose are reportedly not on very good terms. Senior columnist Dan Bernstein with CBS Chicago is claiming that the rift between the two players cost them Game 6 and the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Bernstein wrote:

"Sources tell 670 The Score that a common NBA problem affected the Bulls at the worst possible time - two alpha dogs and only one basketball.

It looked strange when wing Jimmy Butler kept flashing to Rose's side of the floor, calling for the ball, as the Bulls' offense was drying up. Rose was all too happy to oblige instead of waving Butler off and taking charge, either resetting the called play or taking his man - often the undrafted Matthew Dellavedova - hard to the rim for at least a likely foul.

Sources describe a passive-aggressive reaction from Rose that was the culmination of tensions building in recent weeks with Butler's emergence as a primary scorer. Butler is very aware that he won his bet on himself and is poised to reap the reward of a maximum contract from the Bulls, whether or not it takes an offer sheet from another club in restricted free agency this summer. Butler's emergence was validated by the NBA's Most Improved Player Award, and he's now feeling every bit the star, with all that entails."

Rumors added that the tension is being exacerbated by other claims that the Bulls organization is trying to oust head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has not been fired.

Despite the reported tension, Butler, who will become a free agent this summer, wants to stay in Chicago. The Bulls are also reportedly working on a max contract with Butler.

When asked about the possibility that the Los Angeles Lakers will offer him a four-year contract worth $80 million, Butler responded by praising the Bulls organization.

He said on SportsNation, "I like it [in Chicago]. They gave me a chance, coming out of Marquette. No one else did, and they did with the 30th pick in 2011. So I have a lot of love for them."

Butler also sparked rumors that he might be interested in going to the Boston Celtics when he was spotted with actor Mark Wahlberg. The duo was seen hanging out in Beverly Hills this past weekend. When someone asked Butler if he would sign with the Lakers this July, Wahlberg answered, stating that Butler will be in Boston.

Watch the exchange here: