McCullum has suggested that the skipper will walk in at number 7, instead of 6, and will swap roles in the batting line-up with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Stokes averaged just 18.40 with the bat in the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia but the allrounder was a constant threat with the ball, taking 15 wickets in the series.
Smith himself struggled for runs in the Ashes, scoring 211 runs at 23.44, but has enjoyed a good start to the English domestic first-class season with Surrey batting at number 3.
"There are conversations we are having around switching Jamie Smith and Stokesy around," McCullum confirmed, speaking at a sponsors event. "Both are brilliant players when they're at their best.
"They're free-flowing, when they're going well. It's how we get the best out of those two based on the group around them and what's required. That's certainly a conversation we are having.
"Not quite yet (decided), but more leaning towards it."
McCullum all but confirmed that Jacob Bethell will continue to bat at number 3 while spinner Shoaib Bashir could make a return to the XI after not being selected in all five Ashes Tests in Australia.
Joe Root has paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar while closing in on the all-time Test run-scoring record, insisting that being mentioned alongside the Indian legend is an achievement in itself.
Seamer Ollie Robinson was a surprise inclusion in England's Test squad to face New Zealand, but director Rob Key is backing the big quick.
England have ushered in a new era for their Test side by recalling Ollie Robinson, dropping Zak Crawley and handing maiden call-ups to Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker for next month's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.
At 41, Samit Patel has brought the curtain down on a legendary English domestic career, a decision accelerated by an ECB ruling that rendered him ineligible for county competition.
