The 76ers and New Orleans Hornets agreed to extend the deadline to finalize the trade for center Steven Hunter from yesterday at 5 p.m. until noon today.

Hunter was traded to the Hornets on Wednesday for two second-round picks.

When asked if Hunter had taken the Hornets' physical, Sixers general manager Billy King said, "We'll tell you at noon [today]."

The deadline could continue to be extended until the Feb. 23 trading deadline.

Tony DiLeo, the Sixers' assistant general manager, said Saturday that doctors on both sides were discussing the situation.

During the summer, the Sixers signed Hunter to a five-year free-agent contract for $16.5 million.