Portland Timbers acquire defender Joel Waterman from Chicago Fire

The Portland Timbers acquired defender Joel Waterman from Chicago Fire FC in a trade finalized on Thursday. Chicago receives up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money, with half of the amount guaranteed and the remainder conditional based on undisclosed criteria. The trade agreement also allows Chicago to maintain a future sell-on and trade percentage for the 30-year-old defender. Waterman brings seven years of MLS experience to his new club, having previously played for CF Montréal before joining Chicago midway through the 2025 season. He is a Canadian international who has earned 17 caps and appeared in the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. In Portland, Waterman joins a roster that includes national team teammates Kamal Miller and James Pantemis. Chicago simultaneously addressed its defensive depth by adding Noah Allen and Andreas Hanche-Olsen at the transfer deadline.

• 5:15 PMYahoo Sports — Portland Timbers acquire Joel Waterman from Chicago Fire