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The 2026 WNBA Draft is within the books, and the night featured no less than one bombshell transfer. In a flip of occasions, the Golden State Valkyries chosen Flau’jae Johnson with the No. 8 general decide, and subsequently traded her to the Seattle Storm in trade for Marta Suárez and a future second-rounder.
Sure, you learn that accurately—Golden State acquired zero first-round picks for Johnson. It is uncommon to see a top-10 decide moved for such minimal worth.
All alongside, Johnson was projected to be chosen among the many prime 10. Ballislife chosen the previous LSU star to the Portland Fireplace with the No. 7 decide in our mock draft, however the latest growth franchise had different plans. Because it seems, Johnson will keep placed on the West Coast.
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“Flau’jae is without doubt one of the most dynamic, artistic and explosive gamers on this draft and we’re excited to get one other first spherical decide to pick her,” stated Storm Common Supervisor Talisa Rhea in a press launch. “Her playmaking, capability to attain in a number of methods and vitality on each ends of the courtroom will impression our staff instantly. We can’t anticipate Flau’jae to get to Seattle.”
It has been an energetic offseason for Golden State, which re-signed its core, together with Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Janelle Salaün, Iliana Rupert, and Cecilia Zandalasini. Johnson is coming off an illustrious profession wherein she received an NCAA Nationwide Championship with the Tigers beneath head coach Kim Mulkey.
Flau’jae’s household already has their new Seattle Storm hats on after the commerce 😅#WNBADraft pic.twitter.com/wMFQ99VxAQ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 14, 2026
Flau’jae Johnson Leads Seattle’s Rebuild
Is there a risk that Johnson wasn’t the correct match within the Bay? Was there any likelihood she would’ve gotten misplaced behind a guard-heavy roster that additionally consists of Kate Martin and J Jocytė?
The commerce would not make a ton of sense, on condition that the Storm has a crowded backcourt with Natisha Hiedeman, Jade Melbourne, Taina Mair, Lexie Brown, and Zia Cooke. And it is no shock that Seattle is getting into a full rebuild. Emerald Metropolis hasn’t been capable of recuperate post-Breanna Stewart/Sue Chicken period, and misplaced practically its total beginning 5 in free company.
Flau’jae Johnson and her little brother after she bought drafted ❤️ pic.twitter.com/i3OXZQe35n
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 14, 2026
Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Brittney Sykes, Skylar Diggins—the Storm’s former core has left the franchise looking for a wholly new id. Now, Johnson joins a staff that is secured a formidable frontcourt duo with Dominique Malonga and Ezi Magbegor. With Olivia Miles off the board at No. 2 general to the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle selected one other large by choosing Awa Fam third within the draft.
There is definitely a possibility for Johnson to turn into a franchise face and centerpiece in Seattle—how will No. 4 match with the present roster? The Storm devoted are among the loudest and most prideful within the WNBA—I am positive they may welcome No. 4 with open arms.
Johnson has the agility and flexibility to attain in bunches. As a two-way participant, she improved her offensive recreation immensely, taking pictures a career-high 39.3 % from past the arc in her senior season. Though LSU fell in need of one other trophy, Johnson had a profound impression within the event. Main the Tigers to the Candy 16, Johnson averaged 19 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and shot 52.4 % from the sphere within the event.
Now she is going to lead a rebuild as one of many franchise’s cornerstones.
Lopsided Deal?
So, clarify why Golden State gave up a possible star-studded participant for barely something in return? Suárez isn’t any slouch—she transferred to TCU for her remaining season, which paid dividends. Beginning all 38 video games, the Spain native averaged a career-best 17.7 factors, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, taking pictures 45.3 % from the sphere and 37 % from deep. Incomes All-Huge 12 honors, the 6’3″ ahead gained consideration after her 33-point, 10-rebound outing towards Virginia within the Candy 16.
There isn’t any query that Suárez’s providers are wanted within the Bay, that’s, in the event that they select to retain rookies this time round. Monique Billings departed for the Indiana Fever, and Suárez brings dimension and the flexibility to house the ground. Plus, she returns to the Bay Space after taking part in two collegiate seasons on the College of California.
Whereas Suárez has potential upside, most GMs handed on the Spaniard. Ultimately, she was chosen No. 16 general within the second spherical by Seattle. So inform me once more: how was Johnson traded for Suárez and a 2028 second-round decide? We’re speaking a few top-eight participant who had a prestigious four-year profession at LSU. That is absolutely a lopsided head-scratching commerce, that’s, till the season begins.
Golden State Mum on the Commerce
What’s much more weird is that Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin declined to touch upon the commerce post-draft or on whether or not the transfer had salary-cap significance, per ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
“I will take a beat to have the ability to eloquently give a response… I haven’t got a number of element to share. One, as a result of I am exhausted. Two, as a result of I wish to be very considerate once I’m speaking about different people and their basketball talents and the way they’d or wouldn’t present up for our squad.”
Whether or not the decision in the end determines who received the commerce, Seattle will obtain a high-energy guard who averaged 14.2 factors and 4.2 rebounds whereas taking pictures 46.5 % from the ground in her remaining marketing campaign. A First-Crew All-SEC and Third-Crew All-American, she brings speedy upside to the Emerald Metropolis—even when Golden State stays mum on the information. It is evident that Nyanin is protecting the information on the down low, for now.
“Once I’m prepared to talk extra about what that technique is, I will communicate on it… I do not actually discuss my technique publicly as a result of different groups are watching.”
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Employees Author at Ballislife.com, in addition to Director of Ballislife Bets. Observe her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
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