July 26, 2001

MINNEAPOLIS - Joe Smith, forced to leave Minnesota last year because of a series of illegal contracts, has rejoined the Timberwolves, his agent confirmed Wednesday.

A former national player of the year who guided Maryland to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 1994 and 1995, Smith orally accepted the six-year deal worth about $34 million earlier this week, but planning for a wedding had kept him from signing it immediately, said agent Dan Fegan.

Smith, who turns 26 Thursday, played with Minnesota for two seasons before an arbitrator sided with NBA commissioner David Stern, who voided Smith's contract after finding the Timberwolves guilty last fall of signing him to a series of illegal contracts designed to sidestep the salary cap.

Picked first overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1995 out of Maryland, Smith signed with the Detroit Pistons last year -- averaging 12.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.