Fire Acquire Serah Williams in Draft-Day Trade with Sun

Portland Fire add UConn standout forward to their inaugural WNBA roster.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:51am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, representing the energy and excitement of the WNBA draft.The Fire's bold draft-day moves demonstrate their ambition to build a competitive roster for their inaugural WNBA season.NYC Today

The Portland Fire made a surprise move in the 2026 WNBA Draft, trading their 37th overall pick and a 2027 third-rounder to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward Serah Williams. The Fire also selected Iyana Martin and Frieda Buhner earlier in the draft as they build their inaugural roster.

Why it matters

The Fire are an expansion team making their WNBA debut in the 2026 season, so acquiring talented young players like Williams, Martin, and Buhner will be crucial to their success. Williams, in particular, brings valuable experience from her time at UConn, where she helped the Huskies reach the Final Four.

The details

With the 7th overall pick, the Fire selected Iyana Martin, a standout player from Spain's Perfumerias Avenida who was named the EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year. In the 2nd round, they chose Frieda Buhner of Germany with the 17th pick. The Fire then traded their 37th overall selection and a 2027 third-rounder to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Serah Williams, a forward who spent one season at UConn after three years at Wisconsin.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday, April 14th in New York City.

The players

Iyana Martin

A Spanish player who was named the EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year after a standout season with Perfumerias Avenida. The Fire selected her with the 7th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Frieda Buhner

A German player whom the Fire selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Serah Williams

A forward who spent one season at UConn after three years at Wisconsin. The Fire acquired her in a trade with the Connecticut Sun, sending the 37th overall pick and a 2027 third-rounder to Connecticut.

Taylor Bigby

A player whom the Fire selected with the 37th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, before trading her and a 2027 third-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Serah Williams.

Brittney Griner

A star player for the Connecticut Sun.

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What they’re saying

“Iyana Martin is good, Frieda Buhner is good, and so is Serah Williams.”

— @coolname1255710

“R.I.P. Serah Williams staying in Connecticut. 2026-2026.”

— @divinewbb

“What about the 'Geno Effect,' Serah Williams fell to the third round!”

— @gfunkera882

“I'm so happy for Serah Williams. I hope she sticks with the team.”

— @MYLaced

“It's actually not (a bad trade). Where was Serah Williams going to get playing time behind Brittney Griner, Olivia Nelson Ododa, Aaliyah Edwards, Aneesah Morrow, and Kennedy Burke?”

— @d22_dee

What’s next

The Fire will look to integrate Serah Williams, Iyana Martin, and Frieda Buhner into their roster as they prepare for their inaugural WNBA season.

The takeaway

The Fire's draft-day moves demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive roster for their debut season, acquiring talented young prospects like Williams, Martin, and Buhner who can contribute immediately and grow with the franchise.