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According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Cisse agreed to a two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet with the Knicks earlier in the day. The contract included a first year that was half guaranteed and a non-guaranteed second year for the 2027-28 season. Dallas then matched the offer before the NBA’s 48-hour deadline, ensuring the 6-foot-11 center remains with the Mavericks.

The decision aligns with the Mavericks’ broader offseason strategy under new president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz. After a 26-56 season, Dallas has emphasized youth development around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg while reshaping its roster with younger, cost-controlled players.

Cisse, 23, emerged as a useful reserve during the 2025-26 season. In 38 appearances, he averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.9 minutes per game while shooting 57.4% from the field. His production was particularly valuable on the offensive glass, where he averaged 2.3 offensive rebounds per game.

With veteran centers Marvin Bagley III and Dwight Powell no longer on the roster, retaining Cisse gives Dallas another young interior option alongside Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II and rookie Morez Johnson Jr., the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The Knicks’ pursuit of Cisse highlighted their continued search for affordable frontcourt depth after winning the 2026 NBA championship. New York finished the regular season 53-29 before defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the NBA Finals.

For Dallas, matching the offer sheet was also a relatively low-risk financial decision. The contract structure limits guaranteed money while preserving a developmental prospect who fits the organization’s new timeline.

Cisse originally joined the Mavericks on a two-way contract before earning a larger role due to injuries in the frontcourt. His length and rim protection provided energy off the bench, and the coaching staff valued his rebounding presence.

The Mavericks have been among the NBA’s busiest teams this offseason. In addition to hiring Ujiri, Schmitz and head coach Dusty May, Dallas acquired Santi Aldama, Marcus Sasser and the rights to Fenerbahce sharpshooter Tarik Biberovic in a six-team trade. The franchise also added Sergio De Larrea and Morez Johnson Jr. through the draft.