Courtesy: X
The long history of big men moving between the Knicks and Mavericks may continue this weekend. Restricted free agent Moussa Cissé agreed to a two-year offer sheet with New York today. Dallas now has until Monday night to decide whether to match it.
The structure of the deal gives both sides room to maneuver. The first season carries a 50% guarantee, while the second year remains non-guaranteed. That 2026-27 salary becomes fully guaranteed on October 1, giving the Knicks a defined window to evaluate whether Cissé fits their long-term plans.
Why this offer sheet fits New York’s approach
Cissé played 38 games for Dallas last season, starting once and logging 530 total minutes. He averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks after earning a promotion from a two-way contract. At 6-foot-11 with real length and rim-protection instincts, he profiles as a player still learning how to convert physical tools into consistent production.
The Knicks are not asking Cissé to anchor their frontcourt immediately. Instead, the offer sheet lets him compete for minutes behind New York’s existing pieces while carrying limited financial risk if the fit does not work. Before extending this offer, the Knicks reportedly explored trades for Pelicans center Yves Missi and Hornets big man Moussa Diabate. Ultimately, they settled on a lower-risk path through restricted free agency instead.
The Knicks just signed 23-year-old 6’11 RFA Moussa Cisse to a two-year offer sheet
He flew under the radar for Dallas last year but has some INSANE tape 👀
Repped by the same agent as Pacome Dadiet pic.twitter.com/nhnM3gu9qj
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) July 18, 2026
What Dallas has to weigh before Monday
The Mavericks know Cissé’s physical tools well after a season watching him develop. They also know he remained a limited rotation piece throughout that stretch. Matching the offer would keep a promising young center in the fold, but it would also commit a roster spot to a player who still needs to prove he can hold consistent minutes.
If Dallas lets him walk, New York gains a low-risk developmental center without overpaying for the position. If Dallas matches, the Knicks can simply move forward, having tested the market without paying a premium for a backup role player. Either outcome gives New York a clear plan going in.
Other frontcourt and roster moves across the league
Elsewhere, the Suns are counting on Luke Kennard to help replace outside shooting lost this offseason. Phoenix traded away Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, leaving Kennard as its primary perimeter addition. He has led the NBA in three-point percentage three times during his career and is coming off a postseason with the Lakers that saw him take a more aggressive offensive role.
Internationally, former first-round pick Patrick Baldwin Jr. has signed with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia after spending last season across the Clippers, Sixers and Kings organizations. Former lottery pick Stanley Johnson has also signed with Japan’s Gunma Crane Thunders, following a season in which he helped Nagasaki Velca win a league championship.
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