The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season. After going 43-39 last year and making the playoffs, the Hornets are just 6-18 so far this season. Michael Jordan's squad isn't meeting expectations, and many people believe the Hornets need to make a trade before the deadline.

One of the biggest names that has been gathering interest from around the league has been Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson.

The Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers have expressed interest in acquiring the 24-year-old shooting guard.

The Heat are the big frontrunners to land Stephenson so far, because of their interest. Without LeBron James, the Heat have been struggling at 12-13. The Heat are currently in third place in the Southeast division behind the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. With Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade already on the roster, Stephenson would be a great addition.

However, as ESPN NBA analyst Chris Broussard notes, the Heat don't have a lot to offer. Stephenson is currently signed with the Hornets on a three-year, $27 million contract. Wade and Bosh obviously aren't going anywhere, and that leaves few options available. Mario Chalmers, Chris "Birdman" Andersen and Norris Cole could be good trade options if the Heat really want Stephenson.

Stephenson isn't having his greatest year, but he is still the third-leading scorer on a team that appears to have quit. Stephenson also ranks near the top of the Hornets statistics when it comes to steals, rebounds, assists and shots made. Stephenson won't be winning league MVP anytime soon, but he can play quality defense.

Another team that has expressed interest is the Brooklyn Nets.

This could get really interesting. According to multiple reports, the Hornets have talked to the Nets about trading Stephenson possibly for center Brook Lopez. The Nets haven't been much better than the Hornets this season with a mediocre 10-13 record. Stephenson, who was born in Brooklyn, would love to play for his home borough of New York City. In 2009, Stephenson won the "Mr. New York Basketball" Award.

Stephenson won't be an elite player or the second coming of Jason Kidd for the Nets, but he could provide a spark that the Nets really need. It may be time for the Nets to trade Deron Williams, but the Hornets have no desire to obtain that large contract.

And then, there's the Indiana Pacers.

Stephenson's former team has been talking to the Hornets about a potential trade that would send him back to the Pacers. Many NBA fans don't think this will happen because of how Stephenson left. After blowing in the ear of LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals, Team President Larry Bird was very frustrated with Stephenson's actions. Could the two reunite? It's possible, but the Pacers most likely won't be trading David West or Roy Hibbert in return. With Paul George out for the season, the Pacers could use a player like Stephenson again.

At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Stephenson is a great rebounder for a shooting guard. His athleticism and power could be used on a lot of teams across the league. Stephenson isn't the greatest scorer or perimeter shooter, but his physical play could be used on the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks if they show interest.

The NBA trade deadline is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

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