Portland Fire Targets Six Players in Upcoming WNBA Draft

Portland Fire Targets Six Players in Upcoming WNBA Draft

The WNBA Draft is set for April 13. The Portland Fire are targeting six players as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA draft.

Portland holds picks No. 7, 17 and 37. The expansion draft concluded last Friday, shifting the team’s roster priorities.

Front office outlook

General manager Vanja Černivec said the team will prioritize a post player or a point guard. The Fire could also package picks in a trade.

Pick Potential use
No. 7 Target top available prospect or trade down
No. 17 Address depth at guard or forward
No. 37 Late-round developmental selection

Players under consideration

Lauren Betts — Center, UCLA

Betts stands 6-foot-7 and dominated this season. She averaged 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

She earned 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year. Betts is a multiple-time defensive award winner.

Her NCAA tournament numbers rose to 21 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. She helped UCLA win the national title.

Raven Johnson — Guard, South Carolina

Johnson emerged as a primary ball distributor this year. She posted career highs of 10.2 points and 5.3 assists.

She won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2026. Her defense and playmaking could fit Portland’s backcourt needs.

Ta’Niya Latson — Guard, South Carolina

Latson transferred from Florida State and adjusted her role with the Gamecocks. She averaged 14.4 points and 3.7 assists this season.

Known for attacking the rim and drawing contact, she previously averaged 25 points at Florida State. Her scoring instincts translate to the pro level.

Flau’jae Johnson — Guard, LSU

Johnson is a two-time first-team All-SEC player and a national champion. She averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in her senior year.

She brings strong perimeter defense, with 1.6 career steals per game. Johnson also has a substantial NIL profile and off-court brand.

Madina Okot — Center, South Carolina

Okot is a 6-foot-6 post who improved after transferring from Mississippi State. She averaged 13.2 points and 10.8 rebounds this season.

She also averaged 1.5 blocks per game. Okot projects as a late-first-round option or a trade-target if Portland misses on Betts.

Nell Angloma — Forward, Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomération (France)

At 19, Angloma leads her French club with 15.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. She plays professionally and offers youth and upside.

At 5-foot-11, she is more of a wing than the traditional big Portland mentioned. She could still be attractive at No. 7 if available.

Draft scenarios for Portland

The Fire may select the best available player at No. 7. They could also trade to move up or down.

Targeting experienced post talent remains a clear priority. The team could opt for a guard if that player better fits long-term plans.

Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as April 13 approaches. Expect more clarity after draft night and any pre-draft deals.