Forward LaPhonso Ellis says he is not angry. He laughs when asked if he is bitter.
The former Timberwolf concedes he was shocked over the summer when Minnesota gave virtually all of its free-agent money to forward Joe Smith and effectively waved goodbye to Ellis, the veteran who replaced Smith for a year. But Ellis says he has found happiness with the Miami Heat, whom the Wolves play in an exhibition game at Target Center tonight, because God led him there.

Indeed, Ellis rejuvenated his injury-prone career last season by averaging 9.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 23.8 minutes while playing in all 82 games and becoming an NBA Sixth Man candidate. Coach Flip Saunders often said last season that Ellis was a key reason the Wolves made the playoffs. But when it came time to sign free agents in July, Minnesota opted to offer its entire $4.5 million salary exception to Smith, leaving Ellis an offer of only a small raise and a contract beginning at $1.44 million to return.