Kristaps Porzingis has drawn a clearer line on his NBA future.

The Golden State Warriors center said Friday he is stepping away from basketball to prioritize his health after trying to ramp up for the season and finding his body would not respond the way he needed.

"I'm doing good but I know what it takes and I'm not where I want to be to perform at the level I expect of myself" Porzingis wrote. "At this point I've made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the game I love."

Not a formal retirement

Porzingis did not call it a retirement which leaves room for a return if his health improves. He has not played for Golden State this season after missing training camp and remaining away from the team.

He signed a two-year $40 million extension in June. The Warriors have not been paying his $20 million salary for failing to render services and neither Porzingis nor the players' association is contesting that.

Trade path still open

League sources say Golden State still plans to keep the contract intact so it can shop the nearly expiring deal before the February deadline. Porzingis said he wants to work with the Warriors on a solution that makes sense.

The Warriors are 6-3 with a six-game winning streak without him after an 0-3 start.