Mavericks’ first must-make move of free agency is staring them in the face

NBA free agency hasn't officially begun, but teams can already come to terms with their own free agents. For the Dallas Mavericks, that means picking up Ryan Nembhard's team option and extending a qualifying offer to two-way standout Moussa Cisse.

While the qualifying offer would keep Cisse around for another season if he accepts it, Dallas' smartest move is to go a step further and sign him to a long-term contract now, before his value rises or another team forces the Mavericks into a tougher decision. The Mavericks should lock him up before making any other moves as free agency begins on Tuesday.

Moussa Cisse turned heads in a breakout rookie season

Cisse, an undrafted free agent out of Memphis, was a revelation for the routinely shorthanded Mavericks last season. He signed a two-way contract just days before the season began and even logged minutes in Dallas' season opener. However, he began to make his mark in November, when injuries sidelined both Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis.

Cisse averaged 3.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just 11.9 minutes per game in November, providing elite energy, rim protection, and much-needed athleticism in Dallas' frontcourt.

Like most two-way players, though, his playing time ebbed and flowed throughout the 2025-26 campaign. But he still consistently made the most of his opportunities. He averaged double-digit rebounds in March before capping the season with a dominant 17-point, 20-rebound performance against the Chicago Bulls.

All in all, the undrafted free agent totaled 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 13.9 minutes per game across 38 appearances and one start. Among players who appeared in at least 35 games, Cisse ranked in the top 15 league-wide in both rebound percentage and block percentage, highlighting the physicality, instincts, and defensive impact that made him such a valuable contributor.

Why the qualifying offer isn’t the Mavericks' best option

Rather than bringing Cisse back on a one-year qualifying offer, Dallas would be especially wise to sign him to a multi-year deal instead.

As it stands, Cisse's one-year qualifying offer is worth roughly $2.2 million. However, rival teams are still free to extend him an offer sheet, which he can sign. However, because Dallas tendered him a qualifying offer, Cisse is a restricted free agent, giving the Mavericks the right to match any contract he signs.

But rather than being reactive, the Mavericks should lock Cisse into a multi-year deal before it's too late. The 23-year-old isn't likely to command a lucrative offer sheet this summer, making the one-year, $2.2 million qualifying offer the most likely outcome. The bigger concern is what comes next.

If Cisse accepts the qualifying offer, he'll become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, leaving the Mavericks without the same level of control they have this summer. Worst of all, if he exceeds expectations in a larger role, retaining him could become significantly more difficult… and far more expensive.

Why Dallas should lock Cisse in a multi-year deal now

Consequently, locking Cisse up now is the ideal scenario, similar to what the Oklahoma City Thunder did with Ajay Mitchell. The Thunder signed him to a multi-year deal after his two-way contract and ultimately landed one of the league’s best value contributors.

Mitchell signed a three-year, $8.7 million deal and immediately outplayed it last season, averaging 13.6 points and 3.6 assists per game. Dallas now has a clear opportunity to follow the same blueprint with Cisse.

Re-signing “Moose” to a similar three-year deal is both a strategic and obvious move for Dallas. With the health of both Lively II and Daniel Gafford frequently up in the air, the Mavericks need reliable depth at center. Even with the addition of rookie Morez Johnson Jr., Dallas must prioritize stability in the frontcourt.

That’s only part of what makes Cisse an obvious re-signing. He’s already proven his value as an energy big and interior deterrent. The Mavericks need him back, and for more than just one season.

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