Knicks just presented Mavericks a no-brainer Moussa Cisse decision

The New York Knicks are still searching to replace the frontcourt depth they lost when Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti signed elsewhere this offseason. Even after adding Andre Drummond, New York has now signed Dallas Mavericks breakout center Moussa Cisse to a two-year offer sheet worth roughly $2.5 million. While it's a savvy move for the Knicks, it also presents the Mavericks with a simple decision: Match New York’s offer for Cisse.

Since the 23-year-old big man is a restricted free agent, Dallas controls his immediate future. After extending Cisse a qualifying offer, the Mavericks earned the right to match any contract he signed elsewhere. While this limbo stage could have dragged on throughout the offseason, it has now become a far more pressing matter with the Knicks eyeing Cisse.

Nonetheless, New York's two-year, team-friendly offer sheet for Cisse, which reportedly includes half of his first-year salary guaranteed and no guarantees in the second season, makes matching the deal a no-brainer for the Mavericks.

Mavericks must take advantage of this favorable Cisse deal

Sure, adding Cisse complicates Dallas' roster. As it stands, the Mavericks are already 15 players deep with all three two-way slots full. But offseason rosters can stretch to 21 players, meaning Dallas can match the offer first and decide what to do later… not vice versa.

Consequently, the Mavericks shouldn't have to think twice about matching the offer. Cisse far surpassed expectations during his first NBA season, averaging 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just 13.9 minutes per game. He brings an exciting blend of hustle, energy, and athleticism that fits seamlessly into almost any lineup.

Moreover, even if keeping Moose seems redundant for the Mavericks' forward- and big-heavy roster, injuries and potential future trades should have Dallas prioritizing his return.

Mavericks' frontcourt logjam shouldn't stop a Cisse return

Dereck Lively II played just seven games last season and still appears a long way from getting back to 100 percent. Dallas' other center, Daniel Gafford, has appeared in just 102 games over the last two seasons while dealing with a myriad of injuries. Meanwhile, Gafford has remained a hot trade candidate, and that chatter would only intensify if the Mavericks do the sensible thing and bring Cisse back.

Of course, aside from Lively II and Gafford, the Mavericks drafted Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick, traded for 7-footer Santi Aldama, and also return P.J. Washington.

Johnson Jr. and Aldama could be considered power forwards, especially with Lively II and Gafford already on the roster, but both are capable of sliding over to center. Meanwhile, Washington (despite being a tweener forward) spent roughly 15 percent of his minutes at the five last season. There's no denying Dallas has a frontcourt logjam.

Still, it shouldn't deter the Mavericks from matching Cisse's offer sheet. He was far too impactful in a limited role last season and could flourish with an extended opportunity, especially if Lively II needs more time to recover from foot surgery and Gafford is traded. Considering it's only a two-year, partially guaranteed deal, matching the offer sheet is the easiest decision Dallas will make this offseason.

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