The New York Knicks’ effort to bolster depth at center was blocked on Saturday when the Dallas Mavericks matched their contract offer sheet for restricted free agent Moussa Cisse, his agents told ESPN.
Read more UK’s Burnham drops digital ID scheme to prioritise cost of living, say allies
The Knicks had signed the 6-foot-11 center earlier Saturday to a two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet, but Yann Balikouzou and Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management said the Mavericks matched the deal before the 48-hour deadline on Monday night.
ESPN reported that because the offer sheet was matched, Cisse cannot be dealt without his consent for one year, and he cannot be traded to the Knicks during that span. League champion New York lost reserve center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency.
Read more Overdose or homicide? LAPD detective claims he was ordered not to investigate girl’s death
Cisse averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 13.9 minutes in 38 games (one start) last season as a rookie with the Mavericks, who signed the undrafted free agent to a two-way contract. He became a restricted free agent when Dallas made him a qualifying offer after the season.
Read more Warren Buffet backs Kevin Warsh’s leadership as new Fed Chair
A native of Guinea, Cisse played at Oklahoma State, Ole Miss and Memphis.
–Field Level Media
Copyright 2026 Field Level Media. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 10:58 PM.
