If you are a Washington Wizards fan who has had his heart set on landing impending free agent Kevin Durant since 2014 or even earlier, you’re well aware of the KD2DC campaign that has taken hold of the Washington area. Since being drafted 2nd overall in 2007, the superstar small forward has torn up Western Conference competition with his partner in crime, Russell Westbrook. However, the Wizards are sputtering and questions remain about whether Durant would even be interested in returning home.

As the Wizards limp through 2015, the excitement of a once up-and-coming roster has finally quelled. Some games, the Wizards have looked functional. Yet the vast majority of the time, they’re hard to watch, as this season’s episode seems like the latest in the franchise’s perennial struggle to gain any traction in the unforgiving NBA.

Primarily, it is crucial for Kevin Durant to commit to a team where he has an immediate chance to compete for a ring. Despite being a 9 year veteran for a consistent western conference threat, Durant is yet to win an NBA title. Unfortunately, the Wizards are much further from a championship than many might believe. Yes, Wall and Durant would make an imposing duo, but the signing of Durant would likely come at the expense of resigning Bradley Beal. Factor in the Wizards’ lack of youth, coaching instability, and a lack of talent in the post, and the Wizards would still have a lot of work to do.

Additionally, a DC homecoming is much less sexy than a move to a big market city such as Chicago, Miami, New York, or even LA. I know what you’re thinking — The Lakers and Knicks are not exactly on the verge of an NBA Championships. However, KD could likely convince other big talent to follow him to New York or Los Angeles, and the lure of the big cities should not to be discounted.

You may call me a pessimist, but in my opinion, the cards were stacked against the Washington Wizards since the moment they began to put themselves in position to sign Durant — nay, from the moment the KD2DC movement was started. The fans, and by extension, the team, put all their eggs in one basket, and soon, the public displays of affection towards Kevin Durant — a player currently under contract with another team. When Kevin Durant tweeted last year that he was offended by the non-discreet interest from the Washington camp, the writing was on the wall. Similarly to the LeBron to NY campaign from 2010, the interest came too early, and too strong. Unfortunately, I believe that Washingtonians’ infatuation with Kevin Durant has actually served as a repellant.

As fans start to come to terms with the harsh reality that a Durant homecoming may not have been much more than a naive pipe dream, there is little that can be done at this point. While it’s possible that Durant is yet to decide on his future, the management has made its moves. In Ernie Grunfeld’s opinion, he has put the Wizards in the best position possible to land the once-in-a-generation player. While a stellar second half and a playoff appearance could possibly alter the Wizards’ race for Durant, it’s my opinion that the Washington Wizards are now on the outside of the KD sweepstakes, looking in with regret.