Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has admitted that the team will not be championship contenders if Draymond Green does not return for next season.
Green looks increasingly likely to opt out of his contract this off-season in favour of receiving a big extension - likely to be his last payday as he enters the latter years of his tremendous career.
And whilst now on the wrong side of 30, Green remains an elite defensive stopper and key role player in winning teams.
The forward has been one of the stars during the Warriors dynasty - winning four NBA titles in the past eight seasons alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
But without Green, the Warriors will be severely weakened heading into next season - with the Western Conference continuing to strengthen with the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns loading up already talented rosters.
Kerr acknowledges just how big a loss Green would be, stating: "Look, if Draymond is not back, we're not a championship contender," Kerr said. "We know that. He's that important to winning and to who we are. I absolutely want him back.
"He knows that he also compromised things by what happened back in October ( Jordan Poole incident ). So part of him coming back next year has to be about rebuilding some of that trust and respect that he's earned here for a long period of time."
Green did give the team an indication that he is more than open to returning to the team, when he said that he is sure that the Warriors era is not over despite being eliminated from the play-offs in the Western Conference semi-finals by the Los Angeles Lakers last weekend.
The 33-year-old has been heavily linked to the Lakers, and could garner interest elsewhere should he opt out of his deal.
Speaking on his podcast after after the Warriors elimination, he said: "Obviously, I have a player option. My agent, Rich Paul, is the best in the business and we have not had the opportunity yet to sit down and discuss any future things.
"I don't know what the options will be, I don't know what my option will be here, I don't know any of those things.
"What I can tell you is I want to be here. I've been here 11 years and you just don't throw that away and, quite frankly, I think we still have more championships that we can and will win.
"So, understanding all that, I want to be here, but I also understand that this is a business and I know the business side of it and the penalties that lie ahead with the new CBA. I know all of those things; I think winning is worth it and I know we still will win."
