The WNBA draft is always full of surprises, but sometimes the biggest moves happen behind the scenes. In a revealing post-draft interview, Golden State Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin shared a key piece of strategy with ESPN.

Nyanin confirmed that the Valkyries and the Seattle Storm had already agreed to a trade involving draft picks before a single name was called. This pre-arranged deal set the stage for one of the night's most anticipated moments.

The trade was executed specifically to allow the Valkyries to select the dynamic guard Flau'jae Johnson. By securing the necessary pick through their agreement with Seattle, Golden State ensured they could add Johnson's explosive talent to their new franchise's core, making a major statement in their inaugural season.