Draymond Green Thanks Cavaliers for Kevin Durant as Prize for 2016 Finals Loss

Draymond Green may have said he wanted to "destroy" the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier in the year, per NBA.com's David Aldridge, but the two-time All-Star thanked the Cavaliers following the Golden State Warriors' victory in the 2017 NBA Finals.

Following his team's Game 5 win, Green alluded to the fact Golden State's 2016 Finals loss forced the team to reload in the offeason.  

"If Kevin Durant was the consolation prize for losing, thanks for that loss," he said, per the San Jose Mercury News' Anthony Slater.

Durant will likely receive criticism over his decision to sign with the Warriors for the rest of his NBA career. However, he more than earned a title through his effort throughout the postseason and in the Finals in particular.

NBA.com put his Finals scoring in perspective:

It's certainly interesting to ponder what might have been different if the Cavaliers lost their second straight Finals to the Warriors last summer.

Whereas Durant may have never signed with Golden State, Cleveland may have felt the pressure to make a major move, such as trading Kevin Love or another piece of its starting rotation.

Nothing will ever take away the joy last year's title provided Cavaliers fans, but the team's first title may have inadvertently set up what looks to be an unstoppable dynasty for the foreseeable future.