“Flau’jae is one of the most dynamic, creative and explosive players in this draft and we’re excited to get another first round pick to select her,” said Talisa Rhea, General Manager of the Golden State Valkyries, following the selection of Flau’jae Johnson with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Shortly after her selection, Johnson was traded to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the draft rights to Marta Suarez and a second-round pick in 2028. This move reflects the Valkyries’ strategic shift as they look to bolster their roster.
Johnson, a standout at LSU, averaged 14.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in her senior season, showcasing her scoring ability with a 46.5% shooting percentage from the field. Her impressive performance included scoring double digits in 27 games, with nine of those being 20-point outings.
During her time at LSU, Johnson not only surpassed 2,000 career points but also played a crucial role in leading her team to an NCAA Championship during her freshman year in the 2022-23 season. She was recognized as a First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American in 2026, further solidifying her status as a top prospect.
Rhea expressed surprise at Johnson’s availability, stating, “We didn’t think that [Johnson] would be available at that point.” This sentiment underscores the unexpected turn of events that led to Johnson joining the Storm.
Ohemaa Nyanin, the Storm’s coach, praised the Valkyries’ acquisition of Marta Suarez, calling her “fierce” and “fearless,” indicating a bright future for both teams involved in the trade.
Johnson was also a McDonald’s All-American in 2022 and was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2023, marking her as a player with a promising trajectory.
As the WNBA prepares for the upcoming season, Johnson’s transition to the Seattle Storm is highly anticipated. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how her skills will translate to the professional level.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the immediate impact of this trade on both teams, but Johnson’s potential is undeniable as she embarks on her professional career.
