Valkyries GM Confirms Pre-Draft Trade with Storm for Flau'jae Johnson

Golden State acquired draft rights to Marta Suarez and a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for the No. 8 overall selection.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:21am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the complex maneuvering of a WNBA draft day trade, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives representing the strategic moves behind the scenes.A WNBA draft day trade between the Valkyries and Storm shatters expectations with a bold, geometric visual.Seattle Today

Golden State Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin told ESPN that the team had agreed to a trade with the Seattle Storm before the 2026 WNBA Draft, which resulted in the Valkyries selecting Flau'jae Johnson with the No. 8 overall pick and then immediately trading her rights to the Storm.

Why it matters

The trade surprised many in the draft room, as Johnson was considered a top prospect after a standout college career at LSU. The deal highlights the complex maneuvering and strategy that can happen behind the scenes leading up to the draft.

The details

In exchange for Johnson, the Valkyries acquired the draft rights to Marta Suarez, whom Seattle selected with the 16th overall pick, as well as a 2028 second-round selection. Suarez is a 6-foot-3 post player who played at Tennessee, Cal, and most recently TCU, where she averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds this past season.

  • The trade was announced just ahead of the 17th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
  • The Valkyries selected Flau'jae Johnson with the No. 8 overall pick.

The players

Ohemaa Nyanin

The general manager of the Golden State Valkyries.

Talisa Rhea

The general manager of the Seattle Storm.

Flau'jae Johnson

The former LSU All-American and 2023 national champion who was selected by the Valkyries with the No. 8 overall pick before being traded to the Storm.

Marta Suarez

The 6-foot-3 post player whom the Storm selected with the 16th overall pick and traded to the Valkyries.

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What they’re saying

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

— Ohemaa Nyanin, Golden State Valkyries General Manager

“We didn't think that [Johnson] would be available at that point. We had been in conversations, and so, as we got closer to that pick, once it became a reality, just really excited.”

— Talisa Rhea, Seattle Storm General Manager

“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 ... we felt like she would be a great fit.”

— Ohemaa Nyanin, Golden State Valkyries General Manager

What’s next

The Storm will look to integrate Flau'jae Johnson into their roster as they build for the future, while the Valkyries will aim to develop Marta Suarez and see how she fits into their plans.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the complex strategic maneuvering that can happen behind the scenes leading up to the WNBA Draft, as teams look to acquire the players they believe will best fit their long-term plans.