The Knicks turn to restricted free agency to add centre depth, targeting the young Mavericks big man
The New York Knicks are looking to bolster their frontcourt through restricted free agency, agreeing to a two year offer sheet with Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse on Saturday, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
The Mavericks now have until Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET to decide whether to match the offer and retain the 23 year old big man.
Contract details begin to emerge
While the full terms of the agreement have not been made public, some financial details have surfaced. Cisse’s salary for the 2026-27 season is reportedly 50 percent guaranteed, while the 2027-28 season is currently non guaranteed. That guarantee status is expected to change on October 1, when his deal for the coming season becomes fully guaranteed.
The Knicks are operating close to the league’s second apron, limiting how much they could offer Cisse beyond a minimum level salary.
A late addition after other trade pursuits
New York had been searching for a young backup center for much of the offseason. Before turning to Cisse, the team reportedly pursued trades for two other young bigs.
- Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Moussa Diabate of the Charlotte Hornets.
Neither pursuit resulted in a deal, leading the Knicks to sign Cisse to an offer sheet instead. The move comes after New York lost center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency, though the team has since added veteran Andre Drummond to its frontcourt mix.
Cisse’s path to the NBA
Cisse went undrafted in 2025 after a five year college career that included stops at three different schools, culminating at Memphis. He signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Mavericks ahead of training camp before earning a two way contract shortly before the start of the 2025-26 season.
Once with Dallas, Cisse carved out a role in the team’s frontcourt rotation for stretches of the year. He appeared in 38 games, averaging 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.9 minutes per outing. He also spent time developing with the Texas Legends, Dallas G League affiliate, where he posted stronger numbers across 16 appearances, averaging 14.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 27.7 minutes per game.
Cisse became a restricted free agent after the Mavericks extended him a two-way qualifying offer last month.
Dallas faces a crowded frontcourt decision
Financially, the Mavericks have the flexibility to match New York’s offer sheet. Complicating the decision, however, is a frontcourt that already includes several established options on guaranteed contracts.
- Dereck Lively II, who has battled injuries in each of his three NBA seasons.
- Daniel Gafford, who was limited for much of last season by a right ankle issue.
- Morez Johnson Jr., the No. 9 overall pick in this year’s draft.
- Santi Aldama, acquired via trade, though he has primarily played power forward.
With 15 players already on guaranteed standard contracts, Dallas will need to weigh roster construction carefully. Cisse was regarded as one of the more productive two way players in the league last season, giving the Mavericks incentive to consider matching the offer rather than losing him for nothing in return.
New leadership adds uncertainty
Adding another layer of unpredictability to Dallas decision is a recently overhauled front office. The Mavericks are now led by president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, and it remains unclear how the new decision-makers view Cisse‘s long term fit within the organization.
A resolution is expected by Monday night, when the matching window closes and Cisse’s future will be determined.