Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald reports: After agreeing to a three-year contract with former Timberwolves forward LaPhonso Ellis -- believed to start at $3 million and total about $10 million -- the Heat is still trying to get something back for point guard Tim Hardaway, forward Anthony Mason and even swingman Bruce Bowen.

Hardaway has attracted interest from Chicago -- which can move center/forward Brad Miller -- Dallas and Portland. Miami has spoken to many teams, including Cleveland, about Mason. Bowen has yet to accept the Spurs' offer of the veteran minimum salary, and Portland reportedly has some interest in him.

Yet Ellis' signing, expected to be announced early next week, puts the Heat at close to $49 million for next season with eight veterans under contract. That gets Miami close to the anticipated luxury tax figure of $54 million, which coach Pat Riley has said the team would exceed only for the right player. So it can't take much back in trades.

Miami also has signed point guard Mike James, forward Malik Allen, and is close to signing 2000 second-round pick Ernest Brown. Miami picked center Ken Johnson in the 2001 second-round.