MINNEAPOLIS, July 30 -- The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Joe Smith to a multi-year contract on Monday, bringing the free agent forward back to a team he left in controversial fashion.
Terms were not disclosed, but the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported last week that Smith agreed to a six-year, $34 million deal to return to the Timberwolves.
Smith, who turned 26 last week, played last season for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 12.3 points and 7.1 rebounds to finish second on the team in both categories. He was originally the top overall selection in the 1994 draft by Golden State out of Maryland.
The 6-10 Smith played for the Warriors (1995-97) and Philadelphia 76ers (1997-98) before joining the Timberwolves for two seasons (1989-00). He was forced to leave Minnesota in October after the NBA charged the team with signing him to a series of illegal contracts. In addition, the organization was fined $3 million and forfeited five first-round draft picks, one of which was later returned. Team owner Glen Taylor is on a leave of absence until September and McHale only recently returned following a seven-month suspension.
Smith averaged a career-best 18.7 points in his second season with Golden State but only 9.9 during the 1999-00 campaign with Minnesota.
The deal will use up all of Minnesota's $4.5 million salary cap exception.NEWLN:
