Louis Amundson Signs with Golden State Warriors

One of the best talents remaining in the free-agency pool is no longer on the market.

On Monday afternoon, Louis Amundson agreed to a two-year, $4.7 million contract offer from the Golden State Warriors. The second year of the contract is reportedly a player option.

Amundson's defensive and energetic style was put on showcase during the Phoenix Suns' run to the Western Conference Finals last season. After displaying extreme durability and smothering defense, much attention was drawn to him.

At the end of the season, the Suns seemed very concerned they would lose the valuable role player early in the offseason scramble. And even though Amundson remained available, the organization decided to re-sign Channing Frye, sign Hakim Warrick, and trade for Hedo Turkoglu rather than inking a new contract with Louis Amundson.

Over the course of the past month, many teams inquired about the possibility of acquiring the power forward before the Indiana Pacers, the New Orleans Hornets, and the Warriors emerged as the front-runners.

The Pacers soon disappeared from the picture after a four-team trade placed the team at the maximum player limit. In Indiana, Amundson would have been a replacement for veteran forward Troy Murphy, who was involved in the aforementioned swap.

Later in August, newly-named New Orleans Hornets general manager Dell Demps and his staff were vehemently pursuing the former Phoenix Sun, scheduling a face-to-face meeting with Amundson and presenting him with a New Orleans' jersey.

However, the flattery was all for naught. Talks between Amundson's management and the Hornets organization halted due to a maximum contract offer of $1.9 million because of a roughly two million dollar bonus owed to center Emeka Okafor that tightened the team's funds.

In the end, the Golden State Warriors were able to offer Louis Amundson the most money and most appealing role.

As it seems more and more likely Don Nelson will return to the Warriors' coaching bench, his coaching style is more motivation for Amundson to join the team.

With the legendary coach's system of "Nellie ball," a run-and-gun strategy, the newest Warrior will be able to use his extraordinary speed—considering his size—to thrive offensively and defensively. He will join Golden State's solid front court of David Lee, Andris Biedrins, and Brendan Wright.

Amundson's career numbers (4.0 points, 3.6 rebounds per game) are not a true representation of his true talent. The 6'9" UNLV graduate, who became a fan favorite in Phoenix, brings a unique aspect to the Warriors' roster, or any team for that matter. With true grit and unbridled enthusiasm, Louis Amundson is a valuable addition to the much-improved Golden State Warriors' rotation.