Rumors of Kevin Durant's possible departure from the Brooklyn Nets continue to circulate. The two-time champion submitted a trade request with the preferred destinations of the Miami Heat or the Phoenix Suns.The Nets must do their due diligence and brace for all scenarios. They will demand a significant return for the two-time Finals MVP. Replacing Durant would be a difficult task. A few players within the Nets roster could excel without KD on the team. Here are three players who could potentially benefit from Kevin Durant's departure.#1. Ben SimmonsBrooklyn Nets v Boston Celtics - Game OneArguably the best defensive player in the league when healthy, Ben Simmons stands to gain the most from Kevin Durant's departure. The Australian will automatically become the franchise player. The Nets would build the roster around Simmons.ESPN Stats & Info@ESPNStatsInfoBen Simmons' 32 triple-doubles are the 2nd-most in 76ers franchise history trailing only Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain's 62.Most Triple-Doubles in 76ers Franchise History62 Wilt Chamberlain32 Ben Simmons14 Billy Cunningham10 Charles Barkley twitter.com/wojespn/status…Adrian Wojnarowski@wojespnESPN story on the looming showdown between Ben Simmons and the 76ers: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…13121ESPN story on the looming showdown between Ben Simmons and the 76ers: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…Ben Simmons' 32 triple-doubles are the 2nd-most in 76ers franchise history trailing only Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain's 62.Most Triple-Doubles in 76ers Franchise History62 Wilt Chamberlain32 Ben Simmons14 Billy Cunningham10 Charles Barkley twitter.com/wojespn/status… https://t.co/7Yr4bcBvUhWith Durant gone, the offense will run through Simmons. The Nets possess sharpshooters Seth Curry, Patty Mills and Joe Harris, who would space the floor with Simmons. Simmons is an excellent facilitator, and the Nets could follow the Milwaukee Bucks model with Giannis Antetokoumpo.#2. Cam ThomasOrlando Magic v Brooklyn NetsWith the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Nets selected Cam Thomas from LSU. The guard impressed many with his rookie season performances. Coming off the bench, Thomas averaged 8.5 points on better than 43% shooting from the field and recorded ten games with 20 or more points.NBA@NBACam Thomas is unfair His statline today:26 PTS3 REB7 AST71296Cam Thomas is unfair 🔥 His statline today:26 PTS3 REB7 AST https://t.co/Nya4pr3kA9Cam Thomas' role could increase if Durant departs. With Simmons running the offense, Thomas could have more opportunities on offense. He could be even more effective if he improves his outside shooting.#3. TJ WarrenIndiana Pacers v Miami Heat - Game FourTJ Warren impressed the NBA with his incredible performances in the Orlando Bubble in 2020. In the six regular-season games that Warren played, he averaged 31 points on better than 57% shooting and over 52% from distance. That's the player the Brooklyn Nets will be hoping to get next season.Brooklyn Nets@BrooklynNetsPutting pen to paper ✍️1490105Putting pen to paper ✍️ https://t.co/Vm6Y4reblxWarren put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Nets. They will plan for him to come off the bench and score.