The Dallas Mavericks may be juggling a handful of big names ahead of the trade deadline - with Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson reportedly in the mix - but behind the scenes, one of their most important moves might involve a rookie flying just under the radar: Moussa Cisse.
Cisse, currently on a two-way contract, has quietly become a difference-maker off the bench. He’s averaging 4.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting a blistering 66.1% from the field.
Those numbers don’t jump off the page until you see him play - then it all clicks. He’s a spring-loaded big who brings energy, rim protection, and efficient finishing around the basket.
And when he got the spotlight at Madison Square Garden earlier this week, he didn’t blink - 15 points, nine boards, and four blocks against the Knicks. That performance didn’t just turn heads; it may have solidified his place in Dallas’ long-term plans.
The Mavericks see something real in Cisse. They’re not just impressed - they’re actively working to convert his two-way deal into a standard NBA contract.
And he’s not alone. Fellow rookie Ryan Nembhard is also in line for a similar upgrade, as the team looks to lock in two of its most promising young players before the February 5 deadline.
This isn’t just about rewarding rookies for solid play. It’s about the bigger picture.
Dallas is in the early stages of a mini-rebuild centered around Cooper Flagg, and Cisse fits the mold of the kind of player who can grow with that core. He’s already shown he can anchor a second unit defensively, and with his athleticism and motor, there’s a ceiling here that’s worth investing in.
The challenge? Roster space.
The Mavericks need to open up two spots to convert both Cisse and Nembhard to standard contracts. That means a trade is likely coming - one where Dallas sends out more players than it brings back.
The front office is reportedly exploring all options, including the possibility of waiving Dante Exum if he isn’t moved in a deal by the deadline.
There’s also a bit of urgency here. Cisse only has 13 games of eligibility left under his current two-way contract.
Jason Kidd has leaned heavily on him, which has accelerated the clock. If Dallas doesn’t act soon, they risk being unable to play one of their most effective backup bigs in meaningful games down the stretch.
But all signs point to the Mavericks being proactive. They’re not just trying to make a splash at the deadline with headline names - they’re also focused on the foundational pieces.
Cisse, Nembhard, and Flagg represent a young trio that could define the next era of Mavericks basketball. Locking them in now isn’t just smart - it’s essential.
So while the trade chatter will continue to swirl around the big names, don’t lose sight of the moves Dallas is making on the margins. Because if Moussa Cisse continues to develop the way he has, this deadline won’t just be remembered for who the Mavs brought in - but for who they chose to keep.