Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement on Thursday to address a Sun-Times story about issues in the Chicago Bulls' relationship with Derrick Rose's camp.

“I am confounded by the irresponsible report in the Chicago Sun-Times suggesting there is anything approaching discord or confusion between the Bulls executive office, coaching staff, and Derrick Rose or any other Bulls player,” Reinsdorf said. “To the contrary, I can remember no time when the organization has been any more focused, optimistic, and cohesive. I’ve got to assume suggestions otherwise are intended to undermine the goals and objectives, spirit, and reputation of the Chicago Bulls. I am deeply disappointed that unnamed sources and totally inaccurate statements and assumptions can be used to foment nonexistent friction. The report is totally without basis or fact. It is pure malicious fiction.”

In the Sun-Times story, Rose acknowledged a growing rift between his camp and the Bulls' organization. The report also cited sources about the Bulls' displeasure with Rose's lack of participation in the recruitment of Carmelo Anthony, as well as Rose's camp possibly leaking an ESPN story on his involvement.

“I know it’s been there,’’ Rose said of tension between the Bulls and his camp, according to the report. “I heard there were some upset people.

“I’m happy I didn’t personally see it. I don’t want to see that. I kind of wonder where it was coming from because it seemed like whenever I was around, everything was all right. It bothered me because when I wasn’t around, I would hear from certain people that everything wasn’t all right.’’

Multiple sources told the Sun-Times that tension was mounting because Rose allowed his camp to take shots at the franchise

Rose also praised the Bulls' addition of Pau Gasol.

“[Gasol is] someone that I knew I could play with,’’ Rose said. “You think about Pau, him now being in the East, what he’ll be able to achieve with the way we play, the way we dump the ball in the post a lot. It could be great.’’

Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, also commented about the apparent tension.

“No one does interviews," Armstrong said. "No one talks. Derrick speaks to you [media] guys, and that’s it. There’s nothing to discuss. If there is something going on, there’s two people: You can get it from [chairman] Jerry Reinsdorf or you can get it from Derrick Rose. There’s nothing else to talk about.’

“You’re talking about rumors. I see Jerry 50 times a year. If I ask Jerry Reinsdorf right now how the relationship is, that’s all I care about.’’