Marc J. Spears of the Denver Post reports: Juwan Howard of the Denver Nuggets and Jalen Rose of the Chicago Bulls are considering becoming teammates again.

Howard and Rose played together at Michigan and remain close.

When Howard becomes a free agent this summer, Rose plans on recruiting him to come play for the Bulls.

"I'm going to try to, just like I would try to convince any (quality) free agent like I did with (Bulls forward Donyell) Marshall," Rose said. "But the reality of being a veteran is, you're going to go to a situation that not only fits you, but allows you to win games, feeds your family and not allow you to be in a no-win situation.

"I feel if we were able to couple him, an experienced big guy, with some inexperienced big guys we have now, it would give us a legitimate low-post threat and a guy that can bring leadership on and off the floor and good character. Basically, it would do wonders for our young team."

When told about Rose's comments, Howard said: "It's a very nice gesture on his part. It's special to see an all-star caliber player like himself want to see me become a teammate of his. I admire and respect that."

"I was fearful (previously) of playing in my hometown because I was young and immature," said Howard, who played at Chicago's Vocational High and still does charity work in the city. "There was so many distractions there. ... But as an older veteran, I don't think it would be a distraction."

If he did sign with the Bulls this summer, it would be for the Mid-Level Exception.

Howard has already privately expressed interest in playing for the Lakers next season and should have more suitors come this summer.