Oklahoma City signs guard Royal Ivey
The Thunder have signed free agent guard Royal Ivey to a contract, Sam Presti announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.
“We are pleased to welcome Royal to the Thunder organization,” Presti said in the release. “His defensive mentality, competitiveness and well documented professionalism adds depth to our backcourt and strengthens the identity of our basketball team.”
Who said OKC wouldn’t do anything in free agency? Talk about a SPLASH. Last season Ivey played for the Bucks and 76ers and appeared in a total of 44 games. He’s 28 years old and has played in the league for six years. He’s never averaged more than 5.6 points a game and is primarily known for his defense.
He’s likely just a training camp/practice squad player and I’m sure his contract isn’t guaranteed. Nonetheless, I bet KD is happy to have another Texas alum on the roster.
Some interesting test cases on evaluation, if they play.
Most of those guys will either cost more or will be more than 3rd PG’s (Watson, Bynum, in particular).
Is Ivey 28 already? Damn I feel old.
IMO, if CP3 leaves, it will be the beginning of the end of the nba in NOLA. They already have a serious interest/attendence problem. Sending away the face of their franchise won’t help either. I’m not sure whats going on with the ownership transfer, but I doubt this would help sell it to a local owner. Who knows, Maybe Seattle fans will get their team back in a few years.
Barring some big trade that lands either CP3 or a big name center, Weaver AND Mo Pete are both toast. Adding Ivey gives us 8 guards on the roster, which is 2 too many. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I don’t much like the idea of trading for Paul. Between his health issues, bigger salary, and what a trade would do to team chemistry/continuity, I would rather have Westbrook.
Plus LeBrons posse represent Paul now if i’m not mistaken… I personally don’t like the idea of dealing with those guys.
Sounds like a sweet deal on the court though!
@steve H
Westbrook is more durable it appears at this point. But when healthy CP3 is the best PG in the game. There is at least some risk that would go into that trade, but most would view it as worthwile.
@steve H
they have 9 days to cut weaver
Ivey and KD have a website (longhorn related)with Augustin I believe. I think this one is for the boss.
I’ve got Ivey as a replacement-level player or worse.
I like this pick up. Defensive minded and it puts fire underneath the 3,4,5 stringers. Nothing wrong with adding competition
Maynor is coming to OKC for an MRI on his hand. He’s still having trouble with it.