It's a strange sight to see for plenty of NBA fans. The fact the San Antonio Spurs are at the wrong end of the Western Conference is something we all have to get used to.
Gregg Popovich has always pulled off great things with San Antonio, and the Spurs have strong individual talents in DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, it's clear whatever they're doing isn't working at all, and a change is in order if they want to keep on competing for playoff positions in a fully stacked Western Conference.
There are a couple of players that the team can trade for considering the assets they have. It has to be said that these trade proposals won't bring instant championships to the team, as the Spurs might need two to three years to fully build a championship roster.
However, these players could set up the team for another dynasty if the Spurs make the right moves through the next offseason.
DeMar DeRozan to the Detroit Pistons for Andre Drummond
Unlike the Spurs, the Detroit Pistons have not returned to the form that saw them win the Larry O'Brien twice during the 2000s. The Blake Griffin-Andre Drummond combination isn't exactly working, and it's very unlikely for the center to re-up with the team that drafted him ninth overall in the 2012 Draft.
If the Pistons feel like it's time to rebuild, they should trade him off before he leaves for next to nothing. Trading for either DeRozan or Aldridge should still give the Pistons a bit of a competitive edge if they still want to try it out with their current roster.
Meanwhile, Popovich will once again get a superb interior presence who can fill the Tim Duncan-sized hole in his offense.
LaMarcus Aldridge to the Miami Heat for Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro, and draft picks
The Miami Heat are performing a lot better with Jimmy Butler in the fold. He's currently averaging 18.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists as he's leading the Heat to third in the Eastern Conference. The emergence of young stars Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro are also key to their early-season successes.
However, Butler is already 30, and there's only a little bit left in his prime years for the Heat. If Pat Riley is serious about winning with this team now, they have to make drastic changes to the roster at the cost of sacrificing the team's future.
The Spurs shipping Aldridge to the Heat for Herro and Nunn will definitely alter the Heat's potential in the future, but it will definitely give them a better chance to make the Finals out of the Eastern Conference. The Spurs also get fantastic wing players to build around in Herro and Nunn.
LaMarcus Aldridge to the Golden State Warriors for D'Angelo Russell
The Warriors are easily the worst team in the NBA due to absences in key positions. With their chances for a playoff appearance dashed, they should be focusing on rebuilding for next year. Depending on their needs, they might choose to go with intriguing prospect James Wiseman or go for the bright lights and pick LaMelo Ball should they get the first overall pick.
Whichever way they go with the draft, LaMarcus Aldridge will be a fine addition to a Warriors team that seriously lacks talent in the frontcourt. Draymond Green isn't just cutting it without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to catch his outlet pass, so having a big man who can create offense on his own like Aldridge will be a great boon. Moreover, his contract runs until 2021. This makes him a worthwhile investment as he's not going to be a rental.
The obvious person to go would be Russell. While he's a terrific player, he's not the perfect fit for the Warriors system. However, he may find success in Popovich's motion-heavy offense.
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