Valkyries GM Addresses Unexpected Flau'jae Johnson Decision During WNBA Draft

The Golden State Valkyries delivered the biggest shock of the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday.

The franchise, which went 23-21 in its inaugural 2025 season, selected LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson with the eighth overall pick.

Johnson did not stay for long. Moments later, the Valkyries traded her rights to the Seattle Storm for the draft rights to Marta Suárez and a 2028 second-round pick.

The 22-year-old wrapped a decorated four-year college career at LSU. The Tigers went 125-20 during her stint and won a national title in 2023. In her senior season, she averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game across all 35 starts.

Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin soon broke her silence on the draft day deal.

Nyanin quickly met reporters after the trade and spoke about the unexpected move. She shed light on the decision.

"Seattle and I had an agreement to trade picks prior to any athlete selection," Nyanin told ESPN. "I want to be super clear about the draft: This had nothing to do with Flau'jae or any specific athlete selection."

Earlier in the evening, Nyanin declined to comment on whether salary cap concerns influenced the decision to move on from the sought-after guard.

"I don't talk or comment about salary cap, so I wouldn't be able to answer the question in a way," she added.

Johnson's durability defined her college career. She started 139 of 141 games and finished with 2,063 career points, sixth-most in LSU history. The guard carried the legacy of her father, the late rapper Camoflauge.

Fittingly, the Valkyries tip off their second season on May 8, facing none other than Johnson and the Storm.

Related: Flau'jae Johnson Responds to Angel Reese's Blunt Revelation About Their Relationship

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 4:36 AM.