Dream Knicks Center Signing Post-Drummond Seems Impossible Now

A player obviously wouldn't do that if he didn't feel like his return was likely. He's not officially on the Summer League team and could've easily just worked out on his own. But a showing up for the team feels like a return is imminent.

Even Cissé wasn't seen rekindling his flame with the Mavericks, it wouldn't have been easy for the Knicks to sign him. The Guinean 23 year-old is a restricted free agent. That means the Mavs can match any offer he signs.

This offseason, we've seen plenty of centers sign for more than previously expected. Quinten Post, a fellow restricted free agent with only a year more of experience and similar numbers to Cissé, recently signed a three-year, $30 million deal that the Warriors refused to match.

Day'Ron Sharpe also got a two-year, $20 million deal. Jock Landale agreed to a one-year $14 million deal. And both Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic deals north of $10 million per year.

The Mavericks would've needed to be outbid by a significant margin, and if the backup center market looks the way it does, the Knicks were never going to be able to extend a competitive offer to Cissé. Their only hope of prying him away from Dallas was going to be a lack of interest from either side.

Instead, it looks like both parties are looking forward to continuing their relationship. And the recent big man signings have all but ensured that New York would be priced out of even having a chance at their dream reserve center.

Now they'll need to consider less attractive end-of-bench options or try to pull off a trade despite the difficulties they're having finding a willing partner.