Before the season the Charlotte Hornets were considered by most to be a playoff team in the weak eastern conference. Instead, the Hornets have been riddled with injuries and inconsistent play. The eastern conference has been better than expected as well. Now, Charlotte is 10-19 and five games out of the last playoff spot.

The disappointing start is going to force the Hornets front office to make some tough decisions. They need to decide who is staying and who is going in the short and long term. Charlotte also needs to determine what direction the franchise needs to go in. Do they want to blow it up, stay the course or make a win now move? Here are three trades that help the Hornets in the long and short-term. 

Trade Number 1

Charlotte Gets: Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson

Los Angeles Lakers Gets: 1st round pick, Frank Kaminsky, Dwayne Bacon, Marvin Williams. 

Analysis: This trade would get Charlotte two quality rotation players. Randle could be a star. Clarkson is an excellent scorer off the bench, something Charlotte desperately needs. Randle could start at power forward next to Dwight Howard and can play some backup center while Cody Zeller is injured. Clarkson can finally give Charlotte a competent backup point guard, and he and Kemba can play together at times to get more scoring on the floor.

This would give the Hornets some much-needed offense and passing, and both are above average defenders. Losing a first round pick in a strong draft hurts, but its worth it for these two players. Clarkson is a 15 point scorer off the bench, and Randle can average 17 points, and eight rebounds and three assists and both defend.

These players don't grow up on trees. Randle plays the same position as Kaminsky and is just better. Giving up on Bacon quickly hurts, but its necessary to complete this trade. Marvin is getting older and has a big contract. He is better suited for a bench role and providing leadership something he can do for the Lakers. Los Angeles would mainly do this deal to get the 1st round pick. They probably won't have one in this year's draft. They also get a solid reserve bigs in Kaminsky and Williams plus a wing with upside in Bacon. Charlotte could quickly turn around there season with this trade. 

Trade Number 2

Charlotte Gets: Bobby Portis

Chicago Gets: MKG, Dwayne Bacon, 2nd round pick

This trade sees Charlotte getting an intriguing young power forward in Portis who has been lights out this season. Since he came back from suspension, Portis is averaging 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game off the bench on 49% shooting from the field and 39% shooting from three. He would give Charlotte's second unit some much-needed firepower off the bench. He is only in his third year and is still improving he can be the future power forward once Marvin Williams is gone.

Chicago would do it because they have Laurri Markkanen and Nikola Mirotic ahead of him at the four and they need a second round pick. Chicago is rebuilding so they would love a 2nd round pick and a young win in Bacon. They also get MKG to play small forward, which is currently Chicago's most significant area of need.

Charlotte would have to replace MKG by moving Nicolas Batum to the three or starting Treveon Graham. Overall, it is a small price to play for a third-year player, who hasn't even entered his prime yet. Portis helps teams win, the Bulls numbers with him on the floor vs off are incredible. Charlotte should try to get Portis, don't be surprised if they go after Mirotic either, Chicago may trade him or both. 

Trade Number 3

Charlotte Gets: Evan Fournier, Elfrid Payton, Mario Hezonja, 1st round pick

Orlando Gets: Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

This trade represents a new direction for the Charlotte franchise. Trading your best player does that. Kemba is a free agent in 2019, and Charlotte is already in cap hell. Re-signing him, while a lot of other teams want him will be hard to do. This trade gets Charlotte a good return on Kemba. It means punting the season, but it gives Charlotte two good first round picks in a strong draft. Plus Fournier is an excellent wing, who can play the two or the three and he can shoot and pass.

Payton is a nice point guard, who can start for the rest of the season, but long term will be a backup. Hezonja is a former lottery pick but has been a bust so far. However, in the past few games, he has shown signs of life. Hezonja is big, can shoot and can play multiple positions. He is worth spending time on to develop. Orlando would do it, so they could finally get a star. Kemba would pair nicely with Aaron Gordon. They also get MKG to shore their perimeter defense, something that has been an issue for them, for a long time.

This trade would be tough for the franchise to make and hurt the fans, however, they may not be able to do much better if they trade Kemba. If Charlotte does decide to put Kemba on the trading block, keep an eye on Denver, Phoenix, and the Clippers as well. 

Conclusion

Charlotte will make a move at the deadline. The Hornets always do, and the team is struggling. The players likely staying are Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, Jeremy Lamb, Nicolas Batum and Treveon Graham. Frank Kaminsky, Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Michael Carter-Williams, Johnny O'Bryant and Dwayne Bacon are all on the block.

Cody Zeller is 50/50 he is essential to the team's success but is out another six weeks with a knee injury. Kemba is only getting traded if the Hornets decide to rebuild. Graham and Lamb are young players showing growth and the team are not giving up on Monk that early. Dwight and Batum are only staying because of their age and contracts. Get ready Hornets fans; trade season will be crazy for the Hornets, if you think of some better trades, let me know.