The San Antonio Spurs have had a slow start this season as they struggle to win games consistently. Despite their inconsistent play, they're in the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Here are two players that the Spurs should consider trading for if they want to make a run in the playoffs:

 Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside would a perfect addition to the Spurs' starting lineup as they lack rim protection. Whiteside has proven to be a solid rim protector, as he's leading the league in blocks with 2.75 per game. Whiteside is also currently ranked fourth in the league at defensive rebounds as he's averaging 13.6 per game. A player the Blazers would most likely ask from the Spurs in a trade would be star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge has been very inconsistent this season, although he's averaging 19.2 points per game. A trade involving Whiteside and Aldridge would work for both teams since they've struggled a lot this season.

Kevin Love

Another player the Spurs should consider trading for is star power forward Kevin Love. The Cleveland Cavaliers have recently indicated that would they would be open to trading Love before the trade deadline in February. Adding Love would stretch the floor for the Spurs, as they lack three-point shooting this season. Having a starting lineup with Derrick White, Dejounte Murray, DeMar Derozan, Love and Whiteside would most certainly be able to make a run in the playoffs. A trade package that would work for both teams would be the Spurs sending Trey Lyles, Patty Mills, and Marco Belinelli to the Cavs for Love.

Both of these trades would add some strength to San Antonio's roster, and would probably make a run in the stacked Western Conference. The Spurs are hopeful that they can return to the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season.