UPDATE: Both Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski are reporting that the Nets plan on hiring Ime Udoka as their next head coach, without any compensation going back to the Celtics.

Things related to Ime Udoka’s year-long suspension from the Boston Celtics have quieted down since the NBA regular season began. However, league news on Tuesday could put that issue right back in the spotlight.

Tuesday afternoon, the Nets fired head coach Steve Nash after a 1-5 start to the season. While Jaque Vaughn will serve as the interim head coach, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted shortly after the news, “expect the Nets to inquire with suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka.”

Later, Shams Charania of The Athletic added that Udoka “has emerged as a strong frontrunner to be the next Brooklyn Nets head coach and the sides have begun discussions.”

Those discussions could involve the Nets and Celtics talking compensation for trading Udoka to Brooklyn. Coaches can be traded in the NBA, but only for draft picks – not players.

In late September, Woj had reported that “the Celtics won’t stand in Udoka’s way should he have the chance to become a coaching candidate elsewhere.” He also added that “there are teams that have tried to gather a preliminary understanding of the full explanation for Udoka’s suspension in preparation for possibly evaluating him for future coaching employment.”

Since then, that position has only apparently strengthened. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe shared on Tuesday afternoon that, “With the Celtics brass fully invested in Joe Mazzulla and pleased with how he’s leading the franchise, expect them to fully listen to offers for Udoka,” adding “the chances of Udoka coaching the Celtics again are dimmer than they were a month ago.”

Before joining the Celtics, Udoka was an assistant with the Nets for the 2020-2021 NBA season. In his first season in Boston, he led the team to an NBA Finals appearance. His suspension – which was reportedly due to a ‘violation of team policies – was announced just before this season began.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].