Other teams are interested in hiring Knicks assistant Royal Ivey

The Knicks have bolstered Tom Thibodeau’s coaching staff with several high-profile hires, but what about the assistants left over from last season? We know interim head coach Mike Miller probably won’t be back, and according to Ian Begley, assistant Royal Ivey is drawing interest from several clubs.

“Several teams have expressed interest in Knicks player development coach Royal Ivey, who is currently under contract with New York.

The Knicks haven’t made a decision yet on Ivey, but the teams who are interested in Ivey believe that it is likely that New York would allow him out of his contract to pursue other opportunities.”

Ivey’s tenure in New York has been closely identified with his close relationship with former free agent (and current Net) Kevin Durant. The Knicks wouldn’t let Ivey interview with other clubs last summer before Durant signed with Brooklyn. But times have changed, and the front office appears to be willing to let Ivey go.

Begley also noted that opposing head coaches noted how small the development staff was under David Fizdale. Hopefully that will change under Leon Rose’s presidency. The team is reportedly considering hiring a few more development coaches.