The 2026 WNBA Draft delivered its first major shock before the night was even over. In a headline-grabbing move, the Golden State Valkyries traded the draft rights to LSU superstar Flau'jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm. Seattle sent the No. 16 overall pick, Spanish forward Marta Suárez, and a 2028 second-round selection to Golden State to acquire the dynamic guard.

This means Johnson, a central figure in LSU's recent championship success, will begin her professional career not in the Bay Area, but in the Pacific Northwest. She joins a Seattle Storm franchise steeped in history, boasting four WNBA championships, the most recent in 2020.

Johnson leaves Baton Rouge as a legend. A four-year starter under Coach Kim Mulkey, she departs as a national champion and one of the most prolific scorers in program history. Her 2,063 career points rank fifth all-time at LSU, and she averaged 14.2 points per game on efficient 47% shooting from the field.

Her arrival signals a new era for the Storm. After a 23-21 season, the team is transitioning, having lost all four of its 2025 All-Stars. Johnson's scoring punch, championship pedigree, and star power will be central to Seattle's rebuild as they look to return to the top of the league.