Valkyries GM explains reasoning for Flau’jae Johnson trade that left Golden State fans befuddled
Here is what the Golden State Valkyries GM said about trading Flau'jae Johnson that left fans of the young franchise befuddled.
Valkyries GM explains reasoning for Flau’jae Johnson trade that left Golden State fans befuddled originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . With the eighth pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the Golden State Valkyries selected LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson.
The pick was celebrated, but an hour later, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that a trade had occurred. Ahead of the 17th pick in the draft, Engelbert declared that the Valkyries had traded Johnson to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the draft rights to Marta Suarez, whom the Storm had selected 16th overall. Golden State also acquired a 2028 second-round pick in the trade.
The deal left fans stunned. Johnson averaged 14. 6 points, 5.
3 rebounds, and 2. 3 assists in her final year with the Tigers. She was projected to be a role player for Golden State even as a rookie, and the return for the eighth overall pick felt lower than it should've been.