Fire Build International Core in 2026 Draft, Land Serah Williams in Post-Draft Trade.

The Portland Fire were active throughout the 2026 WNBA Draft, using three selections and a post-draft trade to reshape their roster with a blend of international talent and proven collegiate production. With the 7th overall pick, Portland selected Spanish point guard Iyana Martín out of Perfumerías Avenida, a standout from Spain’s top professional women’s league. Martín arrives after a strong 2024–25 season in which she averaged 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, earning EuroLeague Young Player of the Year honors. She also elevated her profile on the international stage, most notably at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she led Spain in scoring and was named tournament MVP after helping secure a gold medal. In the second round, at No. 17 overall, the Fire added German forward Frieda Bühner, a 6-foot-1 frontcourt player who has already competed at the highest levels of international basketball. Bühner was part of Germany’s roster at the 2024 Summer Olympics, contributing off the bench in the nation’s first Olympic appearance in women’s basketball. She also delivered a dominant showing at the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket, leading all scorers with 18.6 points per game while ranking among the top rebounders in the tournament. Shortly after the draft concluded, Portland finalized a trade with the Connecticut Sun to acquire forward Serah Williams, sending Taylor Bigby—originally selected with the 37th pick—and a future 2027 third-round selection in return.

Williams, who starred for the Connecticut Huskies in the 2025–26 season after beginning her collegiate career at Wisconsin, brings a reputation as a defensive anchor and interior scorer. She averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds while ranking second on her team in both rebounds and blocks. Her collegiate résumé includes Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors, multiple All-Big Ten First Team selections, and recognition as a semifinalist for the Lisa Leslie Award. Together, the Fire’s draft haul and trade signal a clear emphasis on versatility, defensive presence, and international experience as the franchise continues shaping its roster for the upcoming WNBA season.