The WNBA managed to keep everything on track, finishing the expansion draft, WNBA draft and free agency signings within 10 days and is now all set for the 2026 season. Every contract amount and rookie salary was big news for the league, with the CBA allowing teams to spend big. Flau’Jae Johnson also reacted to being part of this mega resolution.
From the possibility of delay or shutting down the season to high pay for the players was a welcome sign for the WNBPA, but the Seattle Storm rookie sees it differently.
Flau’Jae Johnson Speaks About Improved Rookie Salaries
As much as the draft members were the talk of the town, the rookie salaries would amaze the WNBA followers, who witnessed a gradual change in the pay rise. The reporter asked the 2026 Seattle rookie about her views.
After highlighting her fear of ‘not having the 2026 season due to CBA delay, she said, “My goal is to leave it better than I found it. The next generation of hoopers can see that this was a moment, and so we got to take and then make it better for them.”
"My goal is to leave it better than I found it.” 👏
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 14, 2026
Flau’jae Johnson on being part of the highest-paid rookie class under the new CBA. pic.twitter.com/y1DBsfgBkr
For her, this is the historic moment in the league that is as much of “a responsibility thing” as well as “a gratitude thing.” So, by making her resolution and goal clear, the player is taking it with full force.
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While the player made an impressive journey from a 14-year-old kid winning the Golden Buzzer to an eighth pick in the WNBA, the decorated franchise would get bigger returns from her.
Flau’Jae Johnson Could Be Catalyst At Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm significantly boosted their roster depth by acquiring the LSU megastar via a trade with the Golden State Valkyries following her selection as the 8th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The player brings in elite playmaking skills, elite perimeter defense, and explosive transition scoring, having shot a career-best 39.3% from beyond the arc in her final collegiate season.
Welcome to Seattle, @Flaujae‼️🐯⛈️ pic.twitter.com/2gLYMjSQkZ
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 14, 2026
With the trade, she joins a young, versatile core with All-Defensive center Ezi Magbegor, who remains the team’s defensive anchor. She will pair in the backcourt with veteran guard Natisha Hiedeman and sharpshooter Lexie Brown.
Johnson’s playmaking will also benefit 6-foot-6 interior talent Dominique Malonga and 3rd overall pick Awa Fam, creating a faster, more athletic transition game. Alongside returning forwards Jordan Horston and Mackenzie Holmes, Johnson represents a pivotal shift toward a high-energy roster designed to compete in the league’s new landscape.