Photo Credit:Kevin Clark / The Seattle Times
Rookie guard Flau’jae Johnson made her professional preseason debut in the starting lineup for the Seattle Storm against the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Chase Center. The appearance came less than two weeks after a draft night trade redirected her career to Seattle.
Johnson’s path to the Storm began when she was selected eighth overall in the first round of the WNBA draft by the Valkyries. Shortly after, a trade sent the former LSU standout to Seattle, forcing her to quickly adjust to a new team, system, and environment. Despite the sudden change, Johnson remained confident in her ability to adapt to the professional level.
Reports described adaptability as one of her defining strengths, noting that the move from Golden State to Seattle did not disrupt her rhythm during a hectic transition period. Instead, she approached the situation with composure, focusing on learning her new role and building chemistry with teammates.
Her inclusion in the starting lineup for the preseason opener reflects the Storm’s early confidence in her potential. While preseason games are primarily used for evaluation, starting the game suggests the coaching staff is keen to see how she performs in a prominent role against top level competition.
The matchup also carried added significance, as Johnson faced the team that initially drafted her. Although preseason results do not count in the standings, the game offered a meaningful opportunity for her to showcase her readiness and resilience in a unique situation.
For Seattle, the contest marked the beginning of a series of preseason games aimed at assessing the roster ahead of the 2026 regular season. Coaches are expected to use this period to test different lineups, evaluate player performance, and determine final roster decisions.
Johnson’s debut represents an important first step as she transitions into the WNBA. With more preseason games ahead, she will continue working to refine her game, adjust to the league’s pace, and establish her place within the team’s rotation.
Johnson’s path to the Storm began when she was selected eighth overall in the first round of the WNBA draft by the Valkyries. Shortly after, a trade sent the former LSU standout to Seattle, forcing her to quickly adjust to a new team, system, and environment. Despite the sudden change, Johnson remained confident in her ability to adapt to the professional level.
Reports described adaptability as one of her defining strengths, noting that the move from Golden State to Seattle did not disrupt her rhythm during a hectic transition period. Instead, she approached the situation with composure, focusing on learning her new role and building chemistry with teammates.
Her inclusion in the starting lineup for the preseason opener reflects the Storm’s early confidence in her potential. While preseason games are primarily used for evaluation, starting the game suggests the coaching staff is keen to see how she performs in a prominent role against top level competition.
The matchup also carried added significance, as Johnson faced the team that initially drafted her. Although preseason results do not count in the standings, the game offered a meaningful opportunity for her to showcase her readiness and resilience in a unique situation.
For Seattle, the contest marked the beginning of a series of preseason games aimed at assessing the roster ahead of the 2026 regular season. Coaches are expected to use this period to test different lineups, evaluate player performance, and determine final roster decisions.
Johnson’s debut represents an important first step as she transitions into the WNBA. With more preseason games ahead, she will continue working to refine her game, adjust to the league’s pace, and establish her place within the team’s rotation.
