Report: NBA evaluating potential rapid-test options for COVID-19

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The NBA and the NBAPA are looking at multiple COVID-19 testing options, including a "diabetes-like" blood test that could provide results within 15 minutes with the prick of a finger, sources told ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

While the experimental procedure has been FDA approved, the test is reportedly still in the exploratory phase and there's no clear timetable as to when the efficacy of any such device may be proven.

Numerous NBA general managers and athletic training officials believe that having access to a quick COVID-19 testing option is important before any resumption of play is considered in the near future.

"Rapid testing results are key to return to work, return to sports, everything," one general manager told Holmes. "Whatever job you have and environment you work in, if you're interacting with people, we're all going to have to feel safe doing that. Sports isn't any different."

Meanwhile, even if a rapid test suddenly becomes available, there's no way of knowing when the NBA and its players would have access.

"Because obviously, we have higher-priority people that may need that - like our emergency workers and health-care professionals - that definitely take a priority over our players," an athletic training official told Holmes.

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart was recently among at least four recovered NBA players who intend to share their blood with the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project (CCPP19) for an experimental treatment that could help high-risk patients overcome the virus. The league is supporting CCPP19 through its "NBA Together" initiative.