The Dallas Mavericks have guaranteed Moussa Cisse’s $2.2 million salary for the 2026-27 season, with the October 1 deadline passing without the team waiving him.
Marc Stein reported Friday that Cisse’s salary is now fully guaranteed, securing his place under contract as the Mavericks prepare for their preseason trip to Macao.
Cisse originally joined Dallas in July after the Mavericks matched a restricted free agent offer sheet he had signed with the New York Knicks. He agreed to a two-year, $4.76 million minimum contract, which initially included non-guaranteed money.
The 24-year-old center made 38 appearances for Dallas during the 2025-26 season, averaging 4.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per game. He shot 57.4% from the field and also averaged 1.2 blocks and 0.5 steals.
Cisse spent part of the season with the Texas Legends, where he posted significantly bigger numbers. In 16 G League games, he averaged 14.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 blocks in 27.8 minutes while shooting 63.6% from the field.
His rebounding and interior defense give Dallas another option in the frontcourt behind Daniel Gafford and the injured Dereck Lively II. The Mavericks also have Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr. available to provide frontcourt depth.
Cisse entered the NBA after playing college basketball at Memphis, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss. His strongest statistical college season came at Oklahoma State in 2022-23, when he averaged 8.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks over 32 games.
The Mavericks are entering a new era under president Masai Ujiri, general manager Mike Schmitz and head coach Dusty May, with the roster built around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
Dallas has already filled its 15 standard-contract spots ahead of the preseason trip to Macao, meaning Dwight Powell remains outside the current standard roster while Cisse’s guaranteed deal gives him additional security heading into the regular season.
The Mavericks will play two preseason games against the Houston Rockets in Macao this weekend as they continue preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.
