Report: Jimmy Butler's Issues with 76ers' System 'Are Real'

The Philadelphia 76ers have found themselves dealing with some internal drama lately, and while both may downplay the situation, there are reportedly legitimate issues between star Jimmy Butler and coach Brett Brown.

According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, Butler's "problems with the Sixers system are real."

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that Butler recently "aggressively challenged" Brown about his role in the offense. One source described the four-time All-Star's behavior toward the coach during a recent film session in Portland as "disrespectful."

However, Brown later downplayed the alleged incident:

Brown noted that he believes any exchange he had with Butler did not cross the line, and that if he had an issue with a player, he would address it.

Meanwhile, Butler acknowledged he had a conversation with Brown but denied going too far.

"I don't think any part of it was confrontational, just a coach to player talk, a player to coach talk," Butler said, per Serena Winters of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "It just happened to be in front of everybody. I think we got away from it great, and we got better as a team."

Of course, given the way Butler's tenure in Minnesota ended, any drama in Philadelphia figures to get magnified.

Butler requested a trade from the Timberwolves during the offseason and stayed away from the team during the preseason as he sought a deal. Upon his return to the team, he was involved in a heated practice, which Wojnarowski reported included Butler telling Minnesota general manager Scott Layden, "You f--king need me, Scott. You can't win without me."

Minnesota traded Butler to Philadelphia on Nov. 12.

After going just 8-6 to start the season, the Sixers have gone 18-8 since Butler arrived. He is averaging 18.0 points since the trade.