Valkyries GM: Agreed to Storm Trade Before Flau’jae Johnson Selection.

In a post-draft clarification, Golden State Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin stated that the team’s trade agreement with the Seattle Storm was finalized before any players were officially selected, despite the transaction involving Flau’jae Johnson occurring during the draft. She emphasized that the decision to move the pick was not based on Johnson or any specific athlete, but rather on a preexisting understanding between the two franchises.

According to league sources, both teams discussed a potential framework prior to draft night, though the final agreement was only confirmed while Golden State was on the clock at No. 8. Once earlier selections altered the Valkyries’ draft board, the team opted to trade down. As part of the arrangement, Seattle directed Golden State to select Johnson, while Golden State later instructed Seattle to select Marta Suárez at No. 16. The Valkyries also received a 2028 second-round pick in the deal. Seattle general manager Talisa Rhea explained that the Storm had been actively seeking a chance to move up and acquire a high-impact player, noting that Johnson becoming available at that spot aligned with their expectations and planning. She described the addition as both an immediate boost and a long-term investment. The trade was formally announced just before the No. 17 pick due to league rules restricting trades after a certain pre-draft cutoff. The announcement drew visible surprise from attendees, including reactions in the draft room when Commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed the details.

Nyanin declined to discuss specific factors such as salary cap considerations or deeper strategic reasoning, stating that she preferred to reflect carefully before offering further explanation. She instead highlighted Suárez’s versatility, basketball IQ, and character as key reasons for the selection, noting that the organization had followed her development for an extended period. Suárez, who played at Tennessee, Cal, and TCU, averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 37% from three-point range in her final collegiate season. Meanwhile, Johnson concluded her LSU career as one of the program’s most accomplished players, ranking among the top in both wins and total points while averaging 14.2 points in her senior year.