“Flau’jae is one of the most dynamic, creative and explosive players in this draft and we’re excited to get another first round pick to select her,” said Talisa Rhea, the general manager of the Golden State Valkyries, shortly after the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Johnson, who was selected with the No. 8 pick, has made headlines not only for her skills but also for her swift transition to the Seattle Storm. Just moments after her selection, she was traded to the Storm in exchange for the draft rights to Marta Suarez and a 2028 second-round pick.
During her senior season at LSU, Johnson averaged an impressive 14.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Her performance was a culmination of a stellar college career that included helping LSU secure an NCAA Championship in the 2022-23 season, and she became the sixth player in LSU history to surpass 2,000 career points.
Johnson’s accolades extend beyond her scoring prowess; she was named First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American in 2026, and her consistent performance saw her score double digits in 27 games during her senior year, including nine games with over 20 points.
Ohemaa Nyanin, the Valkyries’ head coach, expressed confidence in the team’s decision, stating, “We didn’t think that [Johnson] would be available at that point.” This sentiment reflects the high expectations surrounding Johnson as she enters the professional arena.
Her journey at LSU was marked by resilience and success, as she played four years without missing an NCAA Tournament, earning a place on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2023 and being recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in 2022.
As Johnson prepares to don the Seattle Storm jersey, the basketball community is eager to see how her dynamic style will translate to the professional level. With her explosive talent and a track record of success, she is poised to make a significant impact in the WNBA.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding her immediate role with the Storm, but expectations are high for the young star as she embarks on this new chapter in her career.
