Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler has insisted that he is still hopeful that teammate Derrick Rose can return this season.

Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee for the second straight year earlier this week, and is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days.

"I think we're all optimistic about it," Butler told ESPN, when asked about the possibility of Rose returning this year.

"We want him back and I'm sure he's going to try and get back as soon as possible."

Bulls center Joakim Noah added that he was "just really sad and angry" about Rose's setback, while Pau Gasol conceded that it was "heartbreaking" to hear the news.