Indiana Pacers Make Under-the-Radar Move to Add Veteran Guard

The Indiana Pacers have quietly made a calculated roster move that may not generate headlines at the NBA level, but could carry meaningful implications for organizational depth and continuity.

On Thursday, the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom, completed a trade with the Capital City Go-Go to acquire veteran guard Cody Martin.

In return, Noblesville sent a 2026 first-round pick via the Long Island Nets, a 2027 second-round pick, and the returning player rights to Kaiden Rice.

While the transaction flew largely under the radar, it reflects a broader effort by the Pacers to reinforce their development pipeline with proven experience and organizational familiarity.

 

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Pacers Add Familiar Veteran to Strengthen G League Depth

Martin’s addition is notable not only for his resume but also for his familiarity with the franchise. The six-year NBA veteran appeared in three games for the Pacers earlier this season, averaging 2.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, giving him immediate familiarity with Indiana’s system and expectations.

Boom General Manager Chris Taylor highlighted the value of that experience, framing the move as both a cultural and competitive boost for the organization.

“Any time you can add a player like Cody to your roster—given his high character, extensive NBA experience, and familiarity with the organization after his time with the Pacers earlier this season—it is incredibly exciting,” said Taylor.

“He fits well into our style of play, brings a lot to our culture, and our goals are aligned with providing him a platform on the court in pursuit of Better Basketball Opportunities. Welcome to the Boom family, Cody.”

For a G League team balancing development with winning, and currently sitting at 3-2 to start the regular season, adding a player who understands NBA-level preparation and structure can be invaluable.

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Why the Move Matters Beyond the Box Score

Although the deal involved notable draft capital, it shows how highly the Pacers value infrastructure and readiness within their G League affiliate.

Indiana has consistently leaned on the league’s development system to prepare players for NBA roles, and Martin fits that model as a plug-and-play veteran capable of raising the overall floor.

During the 2025–26 season alone, the Pacers have signed Gabe McGlothan from Noblesville and scoured the G League to add players such as Micah Potter, Ethan Thompson, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Mac McClung.

Those moves have come during a difficult campaign in which Indiana sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 6-28 record, one season removed from an NBA Finals appearance.

That downturn has been compounded by Tyrese Haliburton missing the entire season while recovering from a right Achilles tendon injury.

Martin’s lone previous G League stint came during the 2019-20 season with the Greensboro Swarm, where he produced strong numbers in limited action, averaging 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 57.8% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Selected 36th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Martin has built a career as a reliable, defense-minded wing. Across 263 NBA games with the Hornets, Phoenix Suns, and Pacers, he has averaged 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 43.4%.

Martin immediately becomes one of the most experienced players on the Noblesville roster, capable of stabilizing lineups and mentoring younger guards pushing for NBA opportunities.

From Indiana’s perspective, the move also provides flexibility, as strong performances in the G League could even position Martin for another call-up while ensuring the Boom remain competitive and development-focused.

Matt Evans Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans