Flau’jae Johnson Shares Reaction to Joining Seattle Storm After Draft

According to ESPN, Golden State and Seattle had a conversation before the draft about a potential trade framework. However, the deal between the two parties was agreed upon only after Johnson was made official to the Valkyries.

In exchange for Flau’jae, Golden State received the 16th overall pick, Marta Suárez, and a 2028 second-round pick. While the winner of the trade will only be revealed after the full trade is disclosed, Seattle has got itself a gem.

Johnson had a consistent four-year stint with LSU, where she averaged 14.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 141 games. She also won the NCAA championship in 2023 and the SEC Rookie of the Year Award. 

“We didn’t think that [Johnson] would be available at that point,” Storm general manager Talisa Rhea said in a postdraft news conference. “We had been in conversations, and so, as we got closer to that pick, once it became a reality, just really excited.”

While the Storm could not contain their happiness, the Valkyries’ GM wasn’t exactly interested in taking up any questions regarding Johnson’s trade.

Golden State Valkyries GM Avoids Taking Up Flau’jae Johnson-Related Questions

Everyone looked to Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin for answers after audible gasps followed Cathy Engelbert’s announcement on the ESPN broadcast.

However, Nyanin refused to explain the trade, citing her exhaustion as the main reason.

“I don’t have a lot of detail to share,” Nyanin said in the Valkyries’ post-draft press conference. “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.”

“And what I can say is, even through all of this exhaustion, I’m extremely excited about all of the athletes that we’ve signed or about to sign.” She added.

Nyanin later revealed to ESPN that both teams had agreed to trade their picks even before the start of the draft night.

As for Johnson, all eyes will be on her to see whether her collegiate star power carries to a Seattle Storm that is currently in its rebuilding phase.

How do you think she will fare on the WNBA court in the Storm jersey?