The Boston Celtics fortified their center position by poaching from a rival. Mitchell Robinson's relocation from the Big Apple is a significant addition. It also left the New York Knicks searching for a replacement to patrol the pivot.
That led the reigning NBA champions to sign Andre Drummond. The Mount Vernon, New York, native gives them a bruising big behind Karl-Anthony Towns. As Celtics fans saw first-hand in the playoffs last year, he can even make a corner 3 here and there.
However, the Knicks also wanted a young, athletic big to add to their depth chart.
That led to the pursuit of Yves Missi from the New Orleans Pelicans. He is a player Boston has reportedly registered interest in at times in the past. The franchise that resides in the Crescent City hasn't found an offer that compelled them to part with the talented 22-year-old center.
New York also coveted Moussa Diabate. Again, they came up empty. The Charlotte Hornets, who acquired Naz Reid on night two of this year's NBA Draft, have declined to move him to this point.
After multiple failed attempts, the Knicks may have settled on an option who checks the boxes they're looking to satisfy in rounding out their depth chart up front.
Knicks make a move at center after multiple failed pursuits
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, New York has inked restricted free agent center Moussa Cisse to a two-year offer sheet. The Dallas Mavericks, his current team, have through Monday to decide whether to match that offer.
The New York Knicks have signed restricted free agent center Moussa Cissé to a two-year offer sheet, I’m told. Dallas will have through Monday to match.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 18, 2026
More NBA from @TheSteinLine: https://t.co/dper6CKfhf
After going undrafted, Cisse appeared in 38 contests in his rookie campaign. That includes earning a start. He averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 13.9 minutes of floor time.
Standing at six-foot-11, this isn't an undersized center; the 23-year-old from Guinea brings length and athleticism to the five spot. He is an intriguing option for the defending champs to potentially start working with.
However, Diabate and Missi have both showcased more during their young careers. Depending on the price to acquire either individual, that move would have merited high marks for the Knicks.
Cisse could work out, and he doesn't figure to rock the boat while sitting third on the depth chart at center -- if the Mavericks don't match their offer sheet. However, the fact remains that he wasn't their first or even their second choice for a reason.
It's a welcome chance for Celtics fans to have a chuckle at the Knicks' expense. And if Dallas matches their offer sheet to Cisse, that laugh becomes even heartier.
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