LOOK: Jimmy Butler pays tribute to Derrick Rose

He says the former MVP taught him about the needed work ethic for the NBA

With Derrick Rose being traded away from the Chicago Bulls, it means he has to leave teammates he's built great relationships with over the years. One of those players is Jimmy Butler, who came into the league in 2011 when Rose had just been named league MVP. Butler was the 30th pick in the 2011 draft and far from becoming the player he is now. He watched Rose handle pressure, injuries, defeat, setbacks, and much more over the next five years.

He also watched Rose and learned from him. After Rose was dealt to the New York Knicks on Wednesday, Butler put out a heartfelt message about Rose on Instagram. He called him his point guard and his brother while saying he knows he'll continue to be a great player moving forward.

My point guard, my brother: you taught me so much since I came into this league as a 21 year old kid from Marquette. For me, coming to Chicago to play and learn from you, an MVP, was eye-opening. You helped shape me into the player I am today. Helped teach me the work ethic needed to excel in this league. You are a leader, thru and thru. Always a supportive teammate and friend. I'll always be thankful for the opportunity I had to play alongside you each night and I know you're going to continue to be the great player and leader you were in Chicago for years to come.

A photo posted by Jimmy Butler (@jimmybutler) on Jun 22, 2016 at 6:16pm PDT

That's a pretty great message between former teammates.