Mark Madsen, a valuable reserve for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past two seasons, has agreed to a five-year contract to remain with the team, Madsen said Saturday.

Madsen, a free agent, is a strong rebounder and defender coming off the bench. He had surgery in March to repair a ruptured ligament in his shooting wrist and was clearly missed by Minnesota, which failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1996.

"I'm extremely excited to be back in Minnesota," the 6-9, 245-pound forward said.

Madsen was being wooed by other teams ? reportedly Washington and Utah ? but he felt staying in Minnesota was the best fit. He had contact with coach Dwane Casey and vice president for basketball operations Kevin McHale during the negotiation process, and he said a call from team owner Glen Taylor was especially important to him.