The Mavericks were unable to sign the inside player they coveted the most this off-season when Phoenix Suns free agent center Steven Hunter signed a five-year, $17 million contract Thursday with the Philadelphia 76ers.

With free agents Dale Davis and Brian Grant probably out of their price range -- and with Dikembe Mutombo leaning toward re-signing with Houston -- the Mavs are hoping to sign either DeSagana Diop, Mikki Moore or Ervin Johnson to serve as Erick Dampier's backup.

Diop, a restricted free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has climbed the Mavs' wish list after a solid showing in the Las Vegas summer league. Diop struggled with the Cavs.