The Washington Wizards have proven they're not afraid to make a blockbuster trade, and with the offseason quickly approaching, it doesn't come as a shock to see the nation's capital back in the rumor mill.
Washington is one of the teams expected to have interest in former MVP Kevin Durant this offseason if the Houston Rockets elect to move on from the forward, one season after the star forward's arrival was hoped to be the move to get them over the hump.
Down 3-1 to the Los Angeles Lakers in round one of the NBA Playoffs, all signs point to a shake-up in the Western Conference, which, any other year, would be a dream come true for a Wizards' fanbase that has long-awaited the chance to see Durant represent his hometown team in Washington.
However, those dreams have now faded after years of rejection turned the Wizards' fanbase against the idea of landing the hometown hero.
Wizards fanbase offering mixed emotion on Kevin Durant trade
Shortly after the report from The Ringer's Michael Pina that the Wizards would be among teams interested in an offseason trade for Durant, the fanbase in Washington made their stance clear.
Some were all for the dream trio of Durant alongside Anthony Davis and Trae Young, while others were against the move simply because of what his arrival could mean for the development of the young core.
Nonetheless, the most noteworthy comments that caught my eye were the section of the team's fanbase who were simply against the idea of landing Durant due to the times he's rejected the idea of playing in D.C. in the past.
Between his decision to turn down the team's pursuit during NBA Free Agency in 2015 and multiple trades where he left Washington off of his list of preferred landing spots, now the star forward's homecoming may not be as desired as it once was.
At the same time, now is not the time for Washington to hold a grudge, especially against a talent of Durant's caliber.
Washington has to land Durant if they get the chance
Obviously, a move for Durant hinges on how steep the price for the aging star is, but considering how well he's still playing at age 37, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, it would be a no-brainer for Washington.
For a team like the Wizards, which has struggled immensely in the past to lure star talent to the DMV, the chance to now have players like Davis, Young, and Durant repping the organization would be a possibility too good to pass up.
There's more reason for the team TO make a move for Durant than there is for the team NOT to make a move.
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