Conversations between the Brooklyn Nets and Ime Udoka about him becoming the next head coach of the franchise began before they parted ways with Steve Nash on Tuesday.
“They have been vetting Ime Udoka for the last 24 to 48 hours,” said Shams Charania. “This goes back to the weekend: Sunday into Monday. They started discussions with Ime Udoka, I’m told, even before the firing of Nash. As far as the concept of hiring Ime Udoka.
“That is a process that is underway. There’s obviously different steps they have to take.
“Ime Udoka is under a one-year suspension with the Celtics because of an improper workplace relationship they need to vet out.
“They need to have conversations with the Celtics to get Ime Udoka aboard. I’m told the Celtics have already granted permission to the Nets to speak with Udoka, and they will let him go freely. They will let him go without any compensation.”