Moussa Cisse Stays with Mavericks After Offer Sheet Match

Memphis Roots and College Journey

Former Memphis center Moussa Cisse will not be moving on after all. The Knicks tendered him an offer sheet on July 18, but Dallas—one of his recent NBA homes—exercised its right as the former team of a restricted free agent and matched the deal. The result is a two‑year, $4.7 million contract for Cisse, with the second year non‑guaranteed, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Cisse’s ties to the Memphis Tigers run deep. He finished high school at Lausanne before committing to Memphis, where he played two seasons alongside Penny Hardaway. After stints at Oklahoma State and Ole Miss, he transferred back to Memphis for his final college season, serving first as a starter and later as a productive sixth man behind Dain Dainja. That season helped the Tigers earn a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, though they fell in the first round to Colorado State.

NBA Career and Recent Season

His professional journey began after going undrafted; he signed a two‑way deal with Dallas for the 2025‑26 campaign. In 38 NBA games he posted averages of 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, while also seeing action in the G League. The contract keeps him in Dallas for another year, giving the Mavericks an interior presence after his summer league absence.

Contract Details and What It Means

What the contract means for the Mavericks: Matching the offer sheet shows Dallas values Cisse’s interior defensive skill and rebound hustle. The non‑guaranteed second year gives the team flexibility if the rotation changes, but also signals confidence in his role as a rotational big. For Cisse, the deal locks in a stable NBA paycheck and a chance to prove himself beyond a single season. The move also underscores how restricted free‑agency mechanisms can keep players with historic ties close to their old clubs.

In the end, Cisse’s return to Dallas keeps a former Tiger’s career tied to a Texas franchise while honoring his deep Memphis roots. Fans can watch his impact on the court as he blends college experience with NBA skill and defensive tenacity. The contract also offers the Mavericks a flexible, cost‑effective option for the upcoming season.