Report: Pelicans favorites to land Monroe

The New Orleans Pelicans are gathering momentum in their pursuit of newly-minted free agent Greg Monroe, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Pelicans and the Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in the big man's services, but New Orleans has emerged as the favorite, according to Wojnarowski. Monroe is a native of suburban Harvey, La.

The Pels apparently also have an edge given Monroe would get starter's minutes in the wake of DeMarcus Cousins' season-ending injury, whereas he would be a role player in Boston.

Monroe agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has averaged 10.4 points and 7.4 rebounds on 60 percent shooting from the floor with both the Suns and Milwaukee Bucks this season. He was jettisoned from Milwaukee in the Eric Bledsoe deal.