Report: Royal Ivey drawing interest around the league

Per Ian Begley (SNY), current Knicks player development coach and former Thunder point guard Royal Ivey could be on his way out of New York. Staying on under the newly hired Tom Thibodeau would likely be perceived as a demotion among the assistant pecking order, and other teams are interested in his services if he’s allowed out of his current contract.

Ivey has drawn attention before, but the Knicks didn’t want to let him wander while their hopes of landing Kevin Durant–Ivey’s OKC teammate and friend–were still alive. From Begley:

“Last year, at least one team expressed interest in hiring Ivey to a position on the front of the bench, but the Knicks denied the club permission to speak with Ivey, a Queens native who is close with Nets star Kevin Durant. The Knicks denied the opportunity for Ivey to interview prior to Durant’s free agency…

It’s possible that Ivey could remain in New York on the development staff, but the teams who have interest in Ivey are optimistic that he will be able to pursue other opportunities.”

Ivey played three seasons in two stints as a guard reserve for Oklahoma City, including the final season of his 10-year career in 2013-14.