WNBA Draft 2026: Flau'jae Johnson Traded to Seattle Storm After Selection by Golden State Valkyries

# 2026 WNBA Draft Highlights Trade of Flau'jae Johnson to Seattle Storm The 2026 WNBA Draft occurred on April 13, 2026, at The Shed in New York, New York. Flau'jae Johnson was selected eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries in the first round. Shortly after her selection, Johnson was traded to the Seattle Storm.

The trade was announced by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert just ahead of the No. 17 pick. Fans at The Shed at Hudson Yards let out audible gasps when the trade was announced. Johnson's family swapped their draft-night hats from Valkyries lilac purple to Seattle Storm bright yellow caps during the event.

Azzi Fudd was selected by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft, according to @TheAthletic. Marta Suarez was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Draft. UCLA had six players selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft, according to @TheAthletic.

Background on Flau'jae Johnson Flau'jae Johnson is an LSU national champion from 2023.

LSU won its first-ever national championship in 2023, defeating Iowa 102-85. Caitlin Clark played for Iowa in the 2023 national championship game. 3 steals. LSU's senior season ended with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer loss in a Sweet 16 upset by Duke in the NCAA women's tournament.

Statements from Golden State Valkyries General Manager Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in her post-draft news conference, "I don’t have a lot of details to share.

" Ohemaa Nyanin said the Valkyries had been focused on Marta Suarez for some time. Ohemaa Nyanin said in her news conference, "Marta is fierce. She’s fearless. We have looked at her for a really long time.

She has a very high basketball IQ. Her high character is off the charts. " Ohemaa Nyanin explained to ESPN that the teams agreed to the draft-night trade before submitting their picks and that the deal had nothing to do with Johnson.

Seattle Storm's Perspective on the Trade Storm general manager Talisa Rhea said in a post-draft news conference, "We didn’t think that [Johnson] would be available at that point.

" Talisa Rhea said the Seattle Storm had been looking for an opportunity to move up in the draft and acquire another impact player.