With Charlie Bell's future in doubt, the Bucks signed guard Royal Ivey to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Royal has shown that he can play both the point and off-guard positions," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said of Ivey, who is 6-feet 4-inches, 215 pounds. "He has good size and athleticism, and brings a defensive mentality to our roster."

Bell, who has been a durable, versatile player for the Bucks, signed a five-year, $18 million offer sheet with Miami on Monday. The Bucks have a week to match that offer, but Bell has said that he would rather not return to Milwaukee next season because of the way the team has handled the negotiations.

Ivey, drafted by Atlanta in the second round (37th overall) in 2004, has played the last three seasons with the Hawks. In 188 career games (89 starts), Ivey has averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 assists in 12.4 minutes per contest.

Last season, Ivey, 25, appeared in 53 games (18 starts) averaging 3.0 points and 1.0 rebound in 10.0 minutes per game.

A native of Harlem, NY, Ivey enjoyed a four-year collegiate career at the University of Texas. He was selected twice to the Big 12 All-Defensive team, as well as finishing as UT's all-time career leader in games started (126). During his four-year career, Ivey helped lead the Longhorns to four NCAA Tourney appearances, including three consecutive "Sweet 16" berths and one Final Four appearance. He finished his career at UT with averages of 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists.