NBA.com reports that Rafer Alston, who has spent the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, has signed a contract to remain with the team, General Manager Ernie Grunfeld announced today. "Rafer has improved steadily throughout the last two seasons," Grunfeld said. "He works hard in practice and has learned a lot from watching our veteran players. This season, he will have an opportunity to earn more minutes."

"I'm excited to be back," Alston said. "It's a good opportunity to stay with a winning team, and continue to improve my game. I'll keep working hard this summer, and then come to training camp ready to earn minutes and help this team any way I can."

The Washington Wizards waived veteran power forward Michael Smith yesterday in a move that further trimmed their payroll and vacated a roster spot ? possibly for Michael Jordan, who is contemplating a comeback. Smith became expendable with the drafting of high school power forward Kwame Brown. Etan Thomas, Christian Laettner, Popeye Jones and Loy Vaught also will compete for minutes at power forward.

The release of Smith gives Washington breathing room under the projected $53.5 million luxury-tax trigger. Smith has one year and $2.4 million left on his contract but only $250,000 was guaranteed if he was cut before the season. Other teams have 48 hours in which to claim him off waivers, but they would have to pick up his full salary. It is more likely that he would clear waivers and become a free agent. The Milwaukee Bucks are said to have expressed interest.