The Indiana Pacers have agreed to sign Ahmad Caver on a 10-day hardship deal.

Caver is averaging 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 35.7 minutes per game.

The Indiana Pacers have signed Nate Hinton to a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship exception. 

Hinton appeared in 21 games last season with the Dallas Mavericks.

In 14 G League games this season, Hinton is averaging 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. 

The Indiana Pacers have waived guard Brad Wanamaker. In addition, the Pacers signed guard Keifer Sykes.

Sykes appeared in two preseason games for the Pacers prior to the start of the 2021-22 regular season. He started 13 games this year for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers’ affiliate in the NBA G League. Sykes is in his seventh professional season after competing in the NBA G League as well as leagues in South Korea, Turkey, Italy, China, Greece and Australia. 

Wanamaker appeared in 22 games and made one start for the Pacers after he was signed Oct. 6.

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to sign Terry Taylor of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants to a Two-Way contract.

Taylor was with the Pacers in Summer League and in the preseason.

Taylor is averaging 19.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 33.5 minutes over 11 games with the Mad Ants this season.

In a related move, the Pacers have waived DeJon Jarreau.

When the Dallas Mavericks first entered the 2021 offseason, the plan was for Rick Carlisle to remain as head coach for the 21-22 season.

Carlisle had intended to travel to Slovenia in the summer to observe the national team's camp and spend time with Luka Doncic. Those plans were canceled at Doncic's request as he wanted no distractions.

Carlisle broached the subject of an extension with Mark Cuban, but was shot down. Carlisle still had two years remaining on his contract and the response from Cuban suggested his job status was uncertain.

Carlisle stepped down later that week and eventually was hired by the Indiana Pacers.

Doncic never called for Carlisle to be fired. 

Domantas Sabonis and LeBron James have been named the NBA's Players of the Week for Week 8.

Sabonis averaged 25.0 points and 10.3 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers went 3-0.

James averaged 28.3 points, 8.0 assists and 7.5 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers went 3-1.

The Philadelphia 76ers have ramped up their efforts to trade Ben Simmons.

The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams interested in Simmons.

It is unclear, however, how much traction the 76ers have on a potential trade. The 76ers are currently asking teams for an All-Star-caliber player and/or multiple first-round draft picks for Simmons.

Simmons has yet to play for the 76ers this season as he's expressed the sentiment that he's not mentally ready to rejoin the team.

The New York Knicks had a chance to give Chris Duarte a draft promise at No. 19 before he had conducted any personal workouts. The Knicks declined and he was eventually selected at No. 13 by the Indiana Pacers.

Duarte has had an excellent rookie season.

“By the time Duarte started doing workouts, it was over,’’ one NBA source said. “He wasn’t lasting until 19."

The Knicks owned four picks: Nos. 19, 21, 32 and 58.

Rick Carlisle has entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols and could miss multiple games.

The Indiana Pacers have an 11-16 record in Carlisle's first season back with the franchise. 

Lloyd Pierce will act as head coach if Carlisle has to miss any games. 

The Indiana Pacers canceled their practice scheduled for Thursday due to health and safety protocols. While no specifics have been shared as of yet, the team said it was "due to an abundance of caution".

Justin Holiday is currently in the NBA's health and safety protocols after a positive COVID-19 test. He's the only Pacer currently known to be in the protocols.

Indiana has suffered through a myriad of injuries and illnesses as they've gotten off to an 11-16 record to start the season. The poor start has the team ready to consider trading members of their core group of players.