The New Orleans Pelicans are likely the frontrunners to acquire forward/center Greg Monroe once he's evaluated all of his options, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, as they have gathered momentum to make an aggressive push for the touted frontcourt player.

Coach Alvin Gentry spoke to Monroe in the aftermath of his contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns late Wednesday night, per Wojnarowski — and even gone as far as offering him a potential starting job, replacing the injured DeMarcus Cousins.

The team will have to make prior roster moves to acquire him, as they are $1.2 million below the hard cap, according to William Guillory of The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

There's been a “mutual interest” reported between both parties, as the New Orleans native played for Helen Cox High School in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The Pels are desperately looking to fill the void in the frontcourt after losing Cousins to a season-ending ruptured Achilles injury last week.

Monroe could play his natural power forward position or move to the center spot, allowing Anthony Davis to play as an athletic stretch-four.

The 6-foot-11 big man started the season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but was dealt to the Phoenix Suns in a trade that sent estranged point guard Eric Bledsoe to the Bucks in November. Monroe, who has found himself in a frontcourt logjam in Phoenix, has only played a total of 25 games this year — averaging 10.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game through this season.

Racking up DNPs for the Suns hasn't done great for his physical activity, but Monroe has kept himself sharp and could be easily incorporated into the fold, if New Orleans can make the necessary adjustments to garner his services.

Among other suitors are the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Washington Wizards — all teams in dire need of frontcourt help in order to position themselves in playoff contention.