Mavs Retain Moussa Cisse by Matching Knicks’ 2-Year, $4.7 Million Offer Sheet

The Dallas Mavericks matched a $4.7 million offer for restricted free agent Moussa Cisse, who averaged 5.7 rebounds last season.

The Dallas Mavericks officially matched a two-year, $4.7 million Moussa Cisse offer sheet on Saturday to retain the restricted free agent center. Yann Balikouzou and Kevin Bradbury of Lift Sports Management confirmed the transaction to ESPN's Shams Charania after the 6-foot-11 big man initially signed with the New York Knicks earlier that same day. Dallas exercised its right of first refusal well ahead of the 48-hour deadline, which was set for Monday night.

During the previous NBA season, Cisse averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest. The former Memphis standout produced these statistics while playing just under 14 minutes per game. Having entered the league as an undrafted free agent last summer, he originally joined the Mavericks on a two-way contract before the organization extended a qualifying offer this offseason to secure matching rights.

Contract Structure and Salary Protections

According to salary cap expert Bobby Marks, Cisse is slated to earn a $2.2 million salary for the current season. This figure includes specific triggers for financial protection; if the center is not waived on or before 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 1, his protection increases to $1.1 million. The full balance of his compensation becomes guaranteed on Oct. 1.

Cisse, who turns 24 years old this September, provides frontcourt depth for a Dallas roster that moved quickly to prevent his departure to the Eastern Conference. The Knicks had targeted the young center to bolster their interior rotation following the loss of Mitchell Robinson to free agency. Because New York is the reigning NBA champion, the addition of Cisse was intended to mitigate the exit of their former starting center.

Trade Restrictions and Roster Impact

By matching the offer sheet, the Mavericks have triggered specific CBA restrictions regarding Cisse's mobility. The center cannot be traded to any team without his personal consent for a period of one year. Furthermore, the Mavericks are strictly prohibited from trading Cisse to the New York Knicks at any point during this one-year window.

This move ensures the 6-foot-11 rim protector remains in Texas following his developmental year. Cisse’s defensive presence was highlighted by his 1.2 blocks per game average in limited floor time. The Knicks' attempt to sign him represented a strategic move to fill a void in their frontcourt, but the Mavericks' decision to match the $4.7 million total value keeps the restricted free agent in his original professional home.

Path from Memphis to Restricted Free Agency

Cisse's journey to this multi-million dollar deal began as an undrafted prospect out of the University of Memphis. After signing his initial two-way deal with Dallas, his performance in limited minutes earned him a qualifying offer earlier this offseason. That designation allowed the Mavericks to maintain control over his future when the Knicks presented their two-year proposal on Saturday.

With the Monday night deadline no longer a factor, the Mavericks' front office has solidified their center rotation. The specific timing of the match, occurring on the same day the sheet was signed, underscores the team's priority in keeping the 23-year-old. Cisse will now look to build on his 5.7 rebounds per game average as he enters the first year of this new $4.7 million agreement under the reported guarantee structures.