Mike Dunleavy Jr., the newly promoted general manager of the Golden State Warriors, told reporters on Monday that the team wants to sign an extension with Draymond Green, who just opted out of the final year of his contract, according to his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.

"We really want Draymond back," Dunleavy Jr. said at the press conference, introduce him to the media. "What he means in terms of this organization and this team, winning at the highest level, we feel like we have to have him. It was expected Green would opt out; now he can talk with the Warriors as well as explore sign-and-trades and free agency."

Green, 33, has been playing for the Warriors since he was drafted by the team with the 35th pick in 2012. He began to play a vital role in their small-ball squad in 2015 and made key contributions to helping the Warriors enter the NBA Finals six times, winning four of them. Green became a four-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Teams member, an eight-time All-Defensive Teams member and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.

Aging and injuries have been hurting Green's athleticism and endurance. His short temper and poor individual attack also intensify his friction with the team. At his age, Green understandably wants a long deal as insurance. However, Dunleavy Jr. has to consider the Warriors' swelling payroll and luxury tax before making any decision.

"We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options," Paul told ESPN.

Extension negotiation with Green is only one of the tasks on Dunleavy Jr.'s to-do list. Klay Thompson, who only has one year left of his current deal, is also eligible for an extension this summer. He is no less integral to the team than Green. Donte DiVincenzo has a player option as well. JaMychal Green will become an unrestricted free agent. Anthony Lamb and two-way players Ty Jerome and Lester Quinones will become restricted free agents.

Many of the above are not necessarily quality role players. However, judging by the Warriors' ballooning payroll and the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) limitations on big-spending teams, they can't afford to be picky.

Dunleavy's to-do list goes on. The Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals last season. Even if they manage to keep the same lineup for the 2023-24 campaign, they are unlikely to make any difference. They have little better than minimum contracts to offer free agents, and trading for better players will be difficult because of the new CBA, so the team would understandably want its younger players to grow better and faster.

However, the road has been bumpy thus far. Jordan Poole struggled last season, and his big contract will begin to take effect from the 2023-24 campaign. Jonathan Kuminga lost his position in the Warriors' regular rotations in the playoffs and has been vocal about being unhappy about it. Moses Moody may be trusted with a bigger load, but he is not an immediate game-changer.

"I think a lot can be made of all the challenges that are coming our way, whether it be an aging roster, the new CBA with some of the limitations there, anything else you can bring up," Dunleavy Jr. said. "We're aware of all those things, but we also feel like we're in a great place because we've got a competitive owner willing to spend, a group that's tied in, has good synergy, good processes, good, sound decision-making. We feel confident we can navigate it."