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Trade nearly paired Anthony Davis with Dwight Howard

By Alex Butler
New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23). UPI/Mark Goldman
1 of 3 | New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23). UPI/Mark Goldman | License Photo

Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Two of the NBA's best shot blockers were nearly teammates.

ESPN's Zach Lowe reported Wednesday that weeks ago, the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks "had exploratory talks about possible Howard trades before the Hawks pulled everyone off the market."

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Lowe wrote it is "unclear how interested" the Pelicans were. He also wrote that there was not "unanimous support" for picking up Howard.

The Hawks sent Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 7, in exchange for Mo Williams, among other pieces. The Hawks then flipped Williams and cash Wednesday to the Denver Nuggets, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

Howard, an eight-time All-Star, is averaging 13.7 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Davis, who could have moved to the No. 4 spot if Howard were acquired, is averaging a career-high 28.8 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. The 23-year-old former No. 1 pick could be selected to his fourth All-Star game if he gets a boost in votes, according to Nola.com.

Howard, 31, is due more than $23 million annually until 2019. Davis is making $21 million this season and is signed through 2020. 'The Brow' has missed just three games this season, despite seemingly always being banged up.

The Pelicans [17-26] host the Brooklyn Nets at 8 p.m. Friday at the Smoothie King Center. The Hawks [24-18] host the Chicago Bulls at 8 p.m. Friday at Philips Arena.

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