If things weren't already bad for the Indiana Pacers, they've gotten worse. Amid the trade rumors surrounding the organization, head coach Rick Carlisle is now heading into health and safety protocols. Via ESPN's Tim MacMahon:

The Pacers actually canceled practice on Thursday after beating the Knicks on Wednesday night and it appears that was the case because Carlisle tested positive on a rapid test following the game. But as MacMahon noted, he won't get his PCR result until Friday, which will ultimately determine his status for Indy's next contest against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks.

This comes just days after it was revealed that Indiana is open to exploring trade options for Caris LeVert, Myles Turner, and/or Domantas Sabonis. The Pacers' current core is evidently not excelling together, with the team posting a dismal 11-16 record so far this season.

It does feel like it could be time to blow up the roster and rebuild as the struggle continue. They also just lost role player T.J. McConnell to hand surgery and he is likely to miss substantial time.

If Carlisle's PCR test does come back positive, it's expected that assistant Lloyd Pierce will step in and fill the role for the time being.