With teams trying to scramble to acquire the top free agents during the offseaon, the Dallas Mavericks were in touch with numerous free agents on Monday, all as a backup plan should they not acquire the most coveted free agent this season, All-Star center Dwight Howard.

Among the list of players who the Mavs contacted include Denver Nuggets swingman Andre Iguodala, who is widely considered the best option to sign a deal.

Iguodala, who could be signed at a salary far below maximum value, could help the Mavericks get other high-quality players to join in the future.

He's a proven All-Star and a well-regarded ballhandler on top of being a proven scorer and rebounder. He has eight triple-doubles in his career and has averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

Iguodala opted out of the final year of his max deal with the Nuggets earlier this month, leaving $15.9 million on the table to become an unrestricted free agent. He said earlier this month that he needed time to absorb the impact of the team's firing of George Karl.

Iguodala might not be the top alternative to Howard for the Mavericks, but he's on the short list. The Mavericks also reached out to the representatives of players like Monta Ellis, Andrew Bynum and others.

Related Articles:

Dallas Mavericks Rumors: Mavs Currently In Sound Financial Position To Secure Dwight Howard, Make Offer Towards Free Agent Guard Monta Ellis

NBA Free Agency Rumors: Andre Iguodala Receiving Plenty Of Attention And Remains Top Target For The Denver Nuggets And Detroit Pistons

Houston Rockets Rumors: Front Office Likes What They're Hearing From Dwight Howard, Frontrunners For All-Star As Time With The Lakers Appear Done

New York Knicks Rumors: J.R. Smith Becomes Bigger Focus For Re-Signing After Meeting With The Pistons, Knicks Are Said To Be Favorites For Toronto's Andrea Bargnani