Brooklyn Nets roster is now wafer-thin: Can Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges rescue them after KD and Kyrie's departure?

The Brooklyn Nets traded Kyrie Irving and then Kevin Durant less than a week later. The Nets are still fifth in the Eastern Conference, but without their two superstars, the onus will be on Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges to help them secure at least a play-in spot.

The Nets sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns for Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cam Johnson, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

While the Suns will have a formidable lineup with Durant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, Brooklyn has gotten younger and added future assets. Crowder might not fit their plans, but he could play a role if they make it to the postseason.

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The Nets have a record of 32-22. They trail the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Nets are ahead of the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls in the race for the postseason. Losing players such as Durant and Irving could cripple a team, but coach Jacque Vaughn is capable of guiding his new team to a playoff spot.

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Examining Brooklyn Nets' roster after Kevin Durant trade

Los Angeles Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets

Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade, are great role players. Dinwiddie was the Nets' starting guard in the past. Finney-Smith is a 3-and-D player who can defend multiple positions.

Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson can also be valuable pieces. Bridges, who has not missed an NBA game in his career, can score and defend. Johnson is more of a scorer and can thrive as a starter or sixth man.

Crowder is a wild card. His veteran presence can help a young team like Brooklyn, but they have plenty of that on the roster already. The Nets could also buy out his contract, with several contenders possibly interested in adding him for a championship run.

Holdovers at the Brooklyn Nets such as Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, Ben Simmons, Patty Mills, Joe Harris, Royce O'Neal, Seth Curry and Yuta Watanabe could make solid contributions. Claxton is one of the most improved players of the season, while Thomas has scored 40 or more points in his last three games.

Simmons is a wild card, but playing as the team's primary playmaker once again could help him return to his best. Mills, O'Neal, Harris, Curry and Watanabe are all great shooters and can space the floor. It should also be noted that the Brooklyn Nets might not be done making trades and have not finalized their roster for the rest of the season.

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