Draymond Green wanted to vindicate himself after the 3-1 blown 2016 NBA Finals lead debacle, but admitted that despite his desire to “destroy” the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, he was ultimately thankful for the loss, which helped the team look into ways to reload and fire back even stronger in 2016-17.

“If Kevin Durant was the consolation prize for losing, thanks for that loss,” Green said, according to Anthony Slater of the San Jose Mercury News.

Durant's addition seemed like overkill for a team that came within points of a second straight NBA title, but it indeed set up the franchise for success not just this season, but future ones to come.

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The 6-foot-9 forward and teammate Stephen Curry are both in the prime of their NBA careers, and with a team of stars on their 20s, it could signify a long-lasting relationship for the core group as long as players are willing to make a few contractual concessions.

Had the Warriors won the NBA championship in 2016, it would be unlikely to see Durant in blue-and-gold this season — which in hindsight, is just about as good a consolation prize the team can get.

Durant walked away with Finals MVP honors last night after averaging 35.2 points on 55.6 percent shooting from the field, 47.4 percent from deep, and a crisp 92.7 percent from the stripe, to go along with 8.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals through five games in the NBA Finals.