The Timberwolves went back to their future Monday by finalizing a contract with Joe Smith, the wandering Wolf who has returned from a yearlong, NBA-imposed absence.
Smith, who played for the Wolves in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 before spending last season in Detroit, signed a six-year deal worth about $34 million last week, which the league approved Monday.

Stephen F. Holder of the Miami Herald reports: Agent Arn Tellem -- who represents free agents Felipe L?pez, Isaiah Rider and Kendall Gill -- confirmed over the weekend he has spoken to the Heat about his available clients.

However, coach Pat Riley sounded disinterested in Rider in recent comments, and Gill is believed to be strongly opposed to Riley's strenuous practices.

If the Heat passes on Rider and Gill isn't interested, L?pez might be.

Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald reports: LaPhonso Ellis is known as an unfailing optimist, and that was evident as the new Heat forward spoke by phone Saturday after taking a physical and signing a three-year contract.

Ellis, whose contract is believed to start at $3 million and total about $10 million, spoke excitedly about playing with Alonzo Mourning, Brian Grant and Anthony Mason, and then -- when presented with the strong possibility Mason won't return -- spoke excitedly about the opportunity to fill Mason's void with his own assorted skills.

Ellis choose Miami over New York, Cleveland, Minnesota, and Dallas.

The Star Tribune reports that Loren Woods has decided to play for Minnesota rather than accept offers from Europe.

While the Tribune reports that Woods will receive "about $350,000", the most Minnesota could offer is $332,817.

Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel reports: With Heat free-agent forward Bruce Bowen still mulling the opportunity to be a starter with the Spurs, the player he would replace in San Antonio has been receiving overtures from the Heat.

Sean Elliott, the Spurs free-agent forward who has made it back from a kidney transplant, has received low-key interest from the Heat since the start of the free-agency period.

Bowen's agent, Steve Kauffman, said he has been told by Heat coach Pat Riley, "He'd be acquiring a small forward with more scoring ability."

An agent said the Heat upped its offer to Bowen on Thursday.

The Heat is believed to be looking at three clients of agent Arn Tellem: Kendall Gill, Felipe Lopez and Isaiah Rider. Sean Holly, agent for Hornets free-agent forward Scott Burrell, also has been monitoring the Heat's voids at the perimeter positions.

Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald reports: Last season, the Heat made a run at free agent Joe Smith. Now they will sign the forward who capably replaced Smith in Minnesota.

According to several league sources, Miami has agreed to terms on a multiyear contract with 6-8 Timberwolves forward LaPhonso Ellis, who averaged 9.4 points and six rebounds in 23.8 minutes last season.

Ellis' acquisition, believed to be for at least half of the $4.5 mid-level exception, means Miami can turn its attention to signing another small forward and a backup point guard.

The Heat is waiting on a decision from swingman Bruce Bowen, who may sign with San Antonio for the veteran minimum. Point guard Tim Hardaway said recently his chance of returning to Miami is about 20 percent. He is more likely to sign with Dallas.