Just hours after restricted free agent Moussa Cisse signed a two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet with the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks matched the deal.

The 23-year-old center proved to be a valuable depth piece during the 2025-26 season while playing on a two-way contract. In 38 games, Cisse averaged 4.5 points on 57.4% shooting, along with 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. His energy, rim protection, and rebounding made him a reliable contributor when his number was called.

The move is an easy match for the Mavericks. Now on the standard roster, Cisse gives Dallas an inexpensive, developing center who fits the team’s long-term plans and provides much-needed insurance behind Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, both players who have battled injuries.

By matching the Knicks offer hours later, the Mavs showed they value Cisse’s upside and weren’t willing to let a young, cost-effective rim protector walk away. A team looking to get younger and strengthen its frontcourt depth by drafting Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 pick overall and trading for Santi Aldama, and now Cisse stays in Dallas. With multiple players who can full in at the center position, Mavs can explore offers for Gafford, to improve their backcourt.

Mavericks had until 11:59PM ET. on Monday night to match the offer Sheet and the team didn’t waste any time. Dallas now has 16 players on standard contracts as they can go into training camp with more than 15 if a move isn’t done beforehand. They will need to make a move or waive a player before the start of the season.

Cisse’s salary is half guaranteed in the first year and 2027-28 is non-guaranteed. Per Bobby Marks, after Mavs matched the offer sheet, Cisse cannot be traded without his consent for 1 year. He is not allowed to be traded to New York in that period of time also.