Hornets free up Davis, Robinson for teams seeking veterans

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Hornets waived center Dale Davis and forward Glenn Robinson on Tuesday, just days after trading for the veteran players.

"Dale and Glenn have been quality players in this league for many years, but we knew when we made these trades that neither of them were a part of our plans for the future," Hornets General Manager Allan Bristow said. "By waiving them now, we can allow them to pursue an opportunity with another team this season."

Davis came to the Hornets along with Speedy Claxton shortly before last week's trading deadline in a deal that sent point guard Baron Davis to Golden State. But the Hornets never expected Dale Davis, whose contract expires after paying him $10.1 million this season, to report to New Orleans.

The Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons are among teams that have expressed interest in acquiring the 35-year-old center, who has averaged 8.5 points and 8.2 rebounds during his 15-year career.

"There are some things that have to happen for the deal to be completed," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said before Indiana's game against Seattle on Tuesday night. "I don't have the latest word on it, but we're hopeful that we can get him here."

Davis played his first nine seasons in Indiana from 1991-2000. He was traded in 2000 to the Portland Trail Blazers for All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal.

"If this can get done, having (Davis) back in a Pacer uniform would be exciting for our fans because he was certainly a terrific player over a long period of time," Carlisle said.

Robinson was sent to the Hornets by the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Jamal Mashburn and Rodney Rogers on Feb. 24. But the 10-year veteran, who averaged 20.8 points in 679 games, had not appeared in a game for the 76ers this season after being placed on the injured list Nov. 1 with left ankle tendinitis.