Full Breakdown
Golden State Valkyries Waive Marta Suárez, Spotlighting Questionable Draft-Day Trade for Flau'jae Johnson
5/3/2026, 12:42:17 PM
Trade and Waiver Summary
On May 2 2026 the Golden State Valkyries announced the release of forward Marta Suárez (77). Suárez had been obtained in a draft-night transaction that sent Seattle Storm guard Flau'jae Johnson, Valkyries eighth-overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, to Seattle in exchange for Suárez, No. 16 overall pick, and a 2028 second-round selection. She appeared in a single preseason game on April 25 before being waived.
Background & Context
The Valkyries entered the league in 2025, posted a 23-21 record, and qualified for the playoffs. Their on-court performance helped raise the franchise’s valuation to $850 million, $250 million above the New York Liberty and $350 million higher than the previous year.
Key Figures
Flau'jae Johnson, an LSU guard, was the Valkyries’ eighth-overall pick before being traded to Seattle. Marta Suárez, the No. 16 pick from the 2026 draft class, joined Golden State. The Golden State Valkyries are based at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
Timeline
2025: 23-21 record, playoff berth. June 2026: draft-night trade of Johnson for Suárez and a 2028 second-round pick. April 25 2026: Suárez’s lone preseason appearance. May 2 2026: Suárez waived.
Data & Statistics
The Valkyries finished 2025 at 23-21 and are valued at $850 million. They selected Johnson No. 8 and Suárez No. 16. In the April 25 preseason, Suárez logged 5 points in 14 minutes; Johnson logged 12 in 23 minutes.
Official Statements & Responses
The team’s official Twitter account posted a roster update on May 2, listing Suárez among the players waived, without further explanation.
Criticism & Opposition
Sports Illustrated writer Grant Young called the trade a mistake, noting that waiving Suárez “cements the fact that this draft-night trade was a mistake” and that the team’s intent remains unclear.
On-the-Ground Reports
In the April 25 preseason contest, Suárez contributed five points in 14 minutes, while Johnson recorded twelve points in 23 minutes for Seattle, suggesting divergent development trajectories.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Valkyries have not issued an explanation for the Johnson-Suárez trade, leaving the strategic rationale undocumented and fueling speculation about the decision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Roster Update: The Golden State Valkyries have waived center Mariella Fasoula, guards Ashlon Jackson, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, and Miela Sowah, and forwards Cate Reese and Marta Suárez.” — Golden State Valkyries, Twitter (May 2 2026)
- “com/3s4x6eCYrr — Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) May 2, 2026 Suarez only played one game in a Valkyries uniform, scoring 5 points in 14 minutes against Flau'jae (who scored 12 points in 23 minutes) and the Storm during their April 25 preseason game.” — Grant Young, Sports Illustrated
- “It's still unclear exactly what Golden State was going for in trading Flau'jae for Suarez.” — Grant Young, Sports Illustrated
- “But waiving Suarez cements the fact that this draft-night trade was a mistake.” — Grant Young, Sports Illustrated
What's Next
The Valkyries must rebuild roster depth after the waivers and reassess draft strategy, while Seattle continues to develop Johnson as a potential star.
