Jimmy Buttler dispelled any rumors of a beef building between him and MVP-teammate Derrick Rose during an interview with ESPN's First Take.

"I think he's always been supportive of me being aggressive, especially on offense," said the 25-year-old shooting guard.  "We all know that I'll be the aggressor on defense. So from what I can tell, the guy's always been in my corner," he added.

Rumors of Butler and Rose having animosity between them began when Rose was inserted into the Bulls lineup after rehabilitating from injury in a span of two seasons. Before getting injured, Rose was the primary offensive creator for the Chicago basketball team.

When Rose returned

In June, Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley described Rose and Butler as "two alpha males" and because of their strong personalities, they "could be headed for a collision of egos."

Apparently, the two stars' relationship didn't improve as the season progressed. Cowley wrote: "In Butler's mind, while he and the likes of veterans Pau Gasol and Mike Dunleavy were busting it every day they could in practice, Rose and Noah had permission to sit out practices and certain drills under Swanson's care."

'Only because we lost'

In his interview with Stephen Smith and Skip Bayless, Butler said he thinks the rumors are being riled up because the Bulls lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. They lost out a 2-1 lead.

"I don't think we have any beef or whatever you want to call it. I think we just want to win. We didn't win, so now [they say] we're beefing, now we have a problem with each other, and I don't think that's the case," said Butler.

The Sun-Times reporter even took notice of Butler taking his time to decide on a contract this offseason. Cowley said, "Butler is now doing all he can to draw a short-term deal as a restricted free agent so that he can hit the market unrestricted as quickly as possible."

The All-star shooting guard went on to sign a $95 million max deal with the Bulls, per Bleacher Report.

Taking a bigger role

Butler said despite playing with seasoned veterans like Noah and NBA champion Pau Gasol, he still has to take a bigger role for the team to advance.

He said in the "Be Honest" podcast with ESPN's Cari Champion: "[I play with] guys that are really great players like Derrick. You need a guy that can kind of be a little bit of everything. That's going to have to be me."

Butler added that he is going to "have to take a bigger role now,"  because he has made his name in the league.

Butler put up 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals last season, per NBA.