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Seattle Storm Acquire Draft Rights to Flau'jae Johnson in Draft-Night Trade with Golden State Valkyries

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WNBA Draft Trade: Seattle Storm Acquire Flau'jae Johnson in Deal with Golden State Valkyries

On April 13, 2026, the Seattle Storm and Golden State Valkyries executed a trade during the WNBA draft, exchanging the draft rights to two first-round selections. The transaction was announced by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert just ahead of the No. 17 pick at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York.

Officials from both teams stated the trade was agreed upon before the teams submitted their respective draft selections.

Trade Details

  • To Seattle Storm: The rights to guard Flau'jae Johnson, the No. 8 overall pick.
  • To Golden State Valkyries: The rights to forward Marta Suárez, the No. 16 overall pick, and a 2028 second-round draft pick from Seattle.

Player Backgrounds

Flau'jae Johnson
  • Position: Guard
  • College: Louisiana State University (LSU)
  • Senior Season Averages: 14.2 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
  • Notable Achievement: Member of the LSU team that won the 2023 NCAA women's basketball national championship.
Marta Suárez
  • Position: Forward
  • Draft Selection: Selected by the Seattle Storm with the No. 16 overall pick, the first selection of the second round, prior to the trade.

Official Statements

Golden State Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin stated the Valkyries' primary focus was on acquiring Marta Suárez.

Nyanin described Suárez as a player with a high basketball IQ and character, using the terms "fierce" and "fearless." She emphasized that the trade "had nothing to do with" Flau'jae Johnson. Nyanin declined to comment on whether salary cap considerations played a role in the decision.

Seattle Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea stated the Storm had been seeking an opportunity to move up in the draft order.

Rhea said the team did not expect Johnson to be available at the No. 8 selection. She characterized Johnson as an important player for the team's future plans.

Event Observations

The trade announcement was met with audible reactions from the audience at the draft venue. Following the announcement, Flau'jae Johnson's family, who were in attendance, changed their draft hats from Golden State Valkyries apparel to Seattle Storm apparel.