The WNBA draft had many surprises as multiple mock drafts failed to predict many picks, including the first overall pick, until the last moment. The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, which started off the procedure and 16 players were drafted in order until Commissioner Cathy Engelbert shocked the room with Flau’Jae Johnson’s trade announcement.
While the player only had an hour to celebrate her selection in the league, she now has to move to Seattle following the Valkyries trade. On the ‘unimaginable’ move, the Golden State Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin decided to stay silent.
Valkyries GM Avoids Explaining Flau’Jae Johnson’s Trade
After a teary end to her college career at LSU, Johnson received a big honour from the Baton Rouge mayor, sending her in all smiles for the WNBA draft. On the night, she was the eighth overall pick and then moved to the Seattle Storm following the trade. While the trade confused many reporters and fans, GM gave reasons not to ‘deal with those questions’.
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,…
When the reporters hinted at the Salary cap constraints, she answered, “I don’t talk or comment about salary cap, so I wouldn’t be able to answer the question in that way.“
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While there are two teams in the trade, the Seattle Storm side, with the lower pick, seized the opportunity to get the first-round player. GM Talisa Rhea gave her statement for the trade.
Seattle Storm GM Explains Reason For Trading Flau’Jae Johnson
Although the player’s selection was far lower than expected, she eventually landed with the team that had used its second-round pick to get her. This could be the biggest cup for the Storm side, who were looking to fill the guard position. Talisa Rhea explained the reason for the trade.
“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,” said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea.
“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.”
Welcome to Seattle, @Flaujae‼️🐯⛈️ pic.twitter.com/2gLYMjSQkZ
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 14, 2026
Losing a player and a future draft pick certainly would pay off given Johnson’s calibre, but fans would be waiting for an explanation from the Valkyries GM.