Pelicans rumor: New Orleans could be in the mix for Dwight Howard

Things have taken yet another turn for Former All-Star center Dwight Howard as he has requested a buyout from the final year of his contract from the Brooklyn Nets less than a day after he was traded that will put him in this year's free-agent market

There could potentially be a slew of teams that express their interest in acquiring the 32-year-old that Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports has reported that the New Orleans Pelicans could be a possible landing spot this summer.

Another team to watch in Dwight's free agency: New Orleans. Pelicans have chased Howard before, and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Cousins, Howard could be a cheaper replacement.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 21, 2018

The Pelicans could be an intriguing destination for the 32-year-old as the team could look at him as being another option if they are unable to bring back All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins. The organization likely prefers to keep both Cousins and fellow All-Star Anthony Davis together given that the two have developed into an effective combo on the court.

Things are a bit sticky for Cousins with him currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered back in January. Prior to this injury, the Pelicans were expected to be in line to offer him a max contract in free agency, but there is no certainty that he can return to being the player he was before this major ailment.

Meanwhile, Howard is still a highly dependable player are coming off a productive campaign where he averaged a double-double with 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds along with 1.6 blocks in 81 games played. He could quickly form a formidable frontcourt duo with two premier rim protectors for the Pelicans next season and possibly beyond that.

This shouldn't overshadow that this will be the sixth different team that Howard will have played for in the last eight years. He has had some notable problems in the locker room since leaving the Orlando Magic. These issues aside, it is clear that Howard will have his fair share of potential suitors come July.