The Knicks thought they had added frontcourt depth, but Dallas quickly made sure Moussa Cisse wasn't going anywhere.
The New York Knicks' pursuit of center Moussa Cisse came to an abrupt end Saturday after the Dallas Mavericks officially matched the restricted free agent's two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas exercised its right to retain Cisse before the 48-hour deadline, keeping the 23-year-old center in the Mavericks' frontcourt after he had agreed to New York's offer earlier in the day.
Because Cisse was a restricted free agent, the Mavericks had the opportunity to match any contract he signed elsewhere. Once Dallas chose to do so, the deal became official, preventing the Knicks from adding one of the more intriguing young defensive centers remaining on the market.
Dallas Keeps Promising Young Big Man
Although Cisse played a limited role during his rookie season, the Mavericks clearly believe he has the potential to become an important piece of their frontcourt rotation.
The 6-foot-11 center appeared in 38 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in just 13.9 minutes per game. He also shot an efficient 57.4% from the field, showcasing his effectiveness as a rim runner and interior finisher.
While his offensive game remains a work in progress, Cisse has already established himself as an impactful defender. His length, athleticism and shot-blocking ability allowed him to make an immediate impact around the basket despite averaging fewer than 14 minutes per contest.
Dallas has prioritized maintaining depth behind its frontcourt, and matching the offer sheet signals confidence that Cisse can continue developing into a reliable rotational center.
Knicks Turn Attention Elsewhere
For New York, missing out on Cisse means the front office will need to continue searching for additional frontcourt depth as free agency moves forward.
The Knicks viewed Cisse as an affordable, high-upside addition capable of protecting the rim, rebounding and providing energy off the bench. At just 23 years old, he also fit the organization's timeline as a player who could continue developing over the next several seasons.
Instead, Dallas ensured he will remain with the Mavericks after a promising rookie season.
Restricted free agency often creates uncertainty, and Cisse's situation served as another reminder of how quickly negotiations can change. While New York secured Cisse's signature on an offer sheet, Dallas ultimately controlled the final decision.
With Cisse officially staying in Dallas, the Knicks will now shift their attention to the remaining free-agent market and potential trade opportunities as they continue shaping their roster for the 2026-27 season, while the Mavericks retain one of their youngest and most promising defensive big men.
