The Golden State Valkyries' Baffling Flau'jae Johnson Trade Just Got Worse
The Golden State Valkyries drafted Flau'jae Johnson eighth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft but traded her to the Seattle Storm shortly after for Marta Suarez, the 16th pick. The trade has drawn criticism after the Valkyries waived Suarez, while Johnson quickly became a fan favorite and top performer for Seattle. The decision appears increasingly questionable as Johnson excels in preseason games, scoring 20 points against Portland.
- ▪The Golden State Valkyries selected Flau'jae Johnson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- ▪Golden State traded Johnson to the Seattle Storm for Marta Suarez, who was later waived by the Valkyries.
- ▪Johnson led the Storm in scoring in both of their preseason games, including a 20-point performance against Portland.
- ▪The Valkyries will open their 2026 season against Johnson and the Storm in Seattle on May 8.
- ▪Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin struggled to explain the reasoning behind the trade shortly after it occurred.
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By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Golden State Valkyries selected Flau'jae Johnson, a two-time All-American at LSU, with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13.Johnson's tenure with the Valkyries lasted about an hour before Golden State surprisingly traded her to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the draft rights to Marta Suarez, who went 16th overall.Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin struggled to explain moving Johnson the night it happened.
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