The WNBA draft night was all fun as expected, with the talented rookies entering the league as teams’ selections move forward. The Wings’ selection of Azzi Fudd as top pick was the start of the proceedings, as Cathyengelbert called 44 other players on the stage. Flau’Jae’ Johnson’s name was called twice on the night.
First with the selection as the eighth overall pick by the Valkyries and then again with her trade to the Seattle Storm. Though the move was shocking, the player looked happy with it, but rather shared her excitement on social media.
Flau’Jae Johnson Reacts to Trade to Seattle Storm
With the deep draft class, there was always a mystery about every team’s selection. The LSU star was a first-round pick for the Valkyries, but suddenly became part of Storm’s project following the trade on draft night.
Four-time champions lost multiple players in the free agency but trusted their young core, and adding a guard of Johnson’s quality once again showed their intentions to keep building for a stronger future. The 22-year-old star also shared her excitement about joining a storied franchise and wrote, “LETS GOOOOOO” with a heart emoji, reaction to the franchise’s post.
LETS GOOOO💚4️⃣ https://t.co/16RKB0HWkN
— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) April 14, 2026
The Strom GM, Talisa Rhea, was excited by the new addition and said, “Flau’jae is one of the most dynamic, creative, and explosive players in this draft, and we’re excited to get another first-round pick to select her. Her playmaking, ability to score in multiple ways, and energy on both ends of the court will impact our team immediately. We can’t wait for Flau’jae to get to Seattle.”
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The side retained Ezi Macbegor and Dominique Malonga while adding Awa Fam, Natisha Hieldeman, Zia Cooke, and would welcome Katie Lou Samuelson via free agency and draft. Although the player is happy to join the champion team, the trade by Valkyries is still surprising.
Valkyries GM Refused To Comment On Flau’Jae Johnson’s Trade
Understanding the key role in the LSU Program during her senior year, Johnson was instrumental for Kim Mulkey’s side. She even received a big honor from the Baton Rouge mayor for her impact. But her trade confused many reporters and fans, GM gave reasons not to ‘deal with those questions’.
Ohemaa Nyanin said, “I think I’m going to take a beat to be able to eloquently give a response. I don’t have a lot of detail to share. One, because I’m exhausted. Two, because I want to be very thoughtful when I’m talking about other humans and their basketball abilities and how they would or would not show up for our squad.”
Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin declined to answer questions for now on the selection and subsequent trade of LSU star Flau'jae Johnson:
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 14, 2026
"I'm going to take a beat to be able to eloquently give a response… I don't have a lot of detail to share. One, because I'm exhausted. Two,…
Valkyries fans would search for trade reasons, while the Storm fans would be happy to land a higher pick player.