The Dallas Mavericks have re-signed restricted free agent Moussa Cisse, matching a two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet the center had signed with the New York Knicks, according to multiple reports.
The team officially announced the move on Wednesday without disclosing terms, but league sources confirmed that Dallas exercised its right of first refusal to retain the 22-year-old big man after the Knicks had extended a formal offer sheet during the restricted free agency period.
Cisse, who went undrafted out of Memphis in 2025, spent his rookie season with the Mavericks on a two-way contract. The 6-foot-11 center emerged as a rotation-caliber presence in the frontcourt, showing a knack for rebounding and rim protection that made him a priority for the franchise to keep.
In 38 appearances with one start during the 2025-26 season, Cisse averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.9 minutes per game. He ranked third among all rookies in blocks per contest. His most memorable performance came in the season finale against the Chicago Bulls, when he pulled down 20 rebounds — tying Roy Tarpley's Dallas rookie record set in 1988.
Cisse gives Dallas valuable frontcourt depth behind starters Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, both of whom have dealt with injuries over the past two seasons. His ability to impact games on the glass and protect the rim in limited minutes made him a priority re-signing for a Mavericks team with championship aspirations.
The decision to match New York's offer maintains continuity for a Dallas squad that has steadily built around its young core. The Knicks, meanwhile, will have to look elsewhere to address their need for frontcourt depth.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-moussa-cisse-dc87997474ff5b7ec3b6bafa0ae2f3bf
