Sixers star Butler, coach Brown reportedly not seeing eye-to-eye

All season there's been tension as the Philadelphia 76ers look to continue to build chemistry that could make them one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, according to a recent report.

The team acquired All-Star Jimmy Butler in mid-November with the hopes of being even more dangerous, and now it looks like that acquisition may instead be causing even issues within the franchise.

Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN pieced an article today on ESPN.com outlining the issues between Butler and Sixers coach coach Brett Brown, stating that Butler has been challenging Brown on his role in the offense.

The report states Butler has been "vocal in his contesting of Brown and his system, including a recent film session in Portland that some witnesses considered 'disrespectful' and beyond normal player-coach discourse."

As of now, Brown is saying he doesn't think there are issues between he and the All-Star, and that Brown looked at the back and forth as just part of the relationship between he and Butler.

Butler, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are three players who are supposed to be the leaders that will lead the Sixers deep into the postseason in the East -- but with the reported conflict there's concern within the organization that things are going to implode.

"While a source close to Butler contends that his intense, direct style can come off as combative as he's trying to make clear his viewpoints, Butler's sluggish assimilation into the Sixers environment is causing some concern about his long-term viability and fit with the organization," ESPN reported. "Nevertheless, the franchise's full focus and resources remain on making this new partnership work this season and beyond."

Since joining the Sixers the 29-year-old is averaging 18 points per game to go along with 4.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Brown likely isn't going anywhere even if things actually are volatile between he and Butler, as this offseason he inked a contract extension, and he's still very popular with the Sixers ownership and management.

Butler, who had issues with Minnesota Timberwolves management prior to the trade to the Sixers, is expected to be a free agent at the end of the season.