The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks have expressed significant interest in Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, as the young big man faces an uncertain future in Dallas.
Cisse could be waived as the Mavericks consider making room for veteran center Dwight Powell ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. If Dallas releases him, rival teams are reportedly prepared to pursue the 24-year-old.
“There’s a growing expectation among rival teams that Moussa Cisse is the Dallas player in the greatest jeopardy,” Stein reported. He added that Chicago has interest in the high-energy center and that Atlanta is also monitoring the situation despite not having an open standard roster spot.
The Lakers and 76ers could enter the picture if Cisse clears waivers. According to Stein, both teams would have strong interest in signing him to a two-way contract, although neither currently has an available two-way spot.
The potential roster move would represent a significant reversal for Dallas, which matched a July offer sheet from the New York Knicks to retain Cisse in restricted free agency. His $2.2 million salary became fully guaranteed when the Mavericks kept him on the roster beyond October 1.
Cisse averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 38 games for Dallas during the 2025-26 season, shooting 57.4% from the field in 13.9 minutes per game. He made one start while providing interior depth in a limited NBA role.
The center also delivered stronger production with the Texas Legends in the G League, averaging 14.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 16 appearances.
Dallas is weighing its options as it looks to accommodate Powell, who signed a one-year deal worth approximately $3.88 million on September 25. The 35-year-old is entering his 13th season with the Mavericks and averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 63 games last season.
Stein previously reported that Dallas could either waive Cisse or explore a consolidation trade to create room for Powell. However, completing a trade so close to the start of the regular season could prove difficult.
The Mavericks also have Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II at center, although Lively is recovering from foot surgery. That situation could make retaining frontcourt depth important as Dallas finalizes its roster.
