The most surprising news of the 2026 WNBA draft happened in the second round.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert walked to the podium at The Shed at Hudson Yards to announce the No. 17 pick, but first reported a trade: The Golden State Valkyries had sent No. 8 pick Flau’jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm for No. 16 pick Marta Suárez and a 2028 second-round pick.
Gasps were audible on the ESPN broadcast following Engelbert’s announcement. The LSU guard was projected to go in the top six on most draft boards; the return of two second-rounders was widely perceived as light.
Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin refused to explain the trade, in part, she said, because she was tired.
“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.”
Nyanin was also asked whether the trade was to cut salary. Johnson will be paid about $309,000 in her first year, while Suárez and all other second- and third-round picks who make rosters will earn $270,000.
Nyanin responded by saying she does not “talk or comment about salary cap.” She also said that she does not speak about her strategy publicly “because all other teams are watching to see what our strategy is.”
Following her press conference, Nyanin told ESPN that the Valkyries and Storm had agreed to trade draft picks before any players were selected.
“I want to be super clear about the draft: This had nothing to do with Flau’jae or any specific athlete selection,” Nyanin said.
The Valkyries did not immediately respond to an additional request for comment.
At the Seattle Storm’s post-draft press conference, GM Talisa Rhea said they had been exploring trading for a higher pick in the days leading up to the draft.
“The opportunity to add Flau’jae was really exciting and incredible for us,” Rhea said with a smile. “We didn’t think that she would be available at that point. We had been in conversations, and so as we got closer to that pick, once it became a reality, just really excited.
Seattle also selected Spanish center Awa Fam with the No. 3 pick. The Storm lost several veteran stars in free agency, including Gabby Williams, who signed with the Valkyries.
