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.