Full Breakdown
Golden State Valkyries Waive No. 16 Draft Pick Marta Suárez Amid Roster Shuffle
5/3/2026, 1:44:05 PM
Trade and Waiver: Core Event
The Golden State Valkyries selected Flau’jae Johnson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, then traded her to Seattle Storm for rights to No. 16 pick Marta Suárez and a 2028 second-rounder. Two weeks later, on May 2, Valkyries waived Suárez along with five other players: Mariella Fasoula, Cate Reese, Ashlon Jackson, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda and Miela Sowah.
Draft Strategy and Roster Constraints
The Valkyries entered the 2026 draft after their 2025 No. 5 pick Juste Jocyte stayed overseas, leaving the team without a top-draft impact for a second season. With a twelve-player active roster and few spots for non-first-round picks, the tight roster pool forces frequent cuts. The Johnson-Suárez trade was pre-arranged, and league logistics made it appear the Valkyries drafted Johnson.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
Marta Suárez, a 6-foot-3 forward from TCU who shot 37 % from three-point range and rebounded well in her final college season, was waived. Flau’jae Johnson, a versatile guard, was dealt to Seattle. Head coach Natalie Nakase, also overseeing guard Veronica Burton, must now adjust the roster without Suárez.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators say the move reflects systemic roster scarcity. Sporting News wrote that “making WNBA rosters is still next to impossible for players taken outside the first round,” and called the cut “wild” given Suárez’s shooting and rebounding. The swift waiver highlights how hard it is for mid-round draftees to earn roster spots, forcing the Valkyries to rely on developmental contracts and potentially limiting on-court contributions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on why the trade and waiver occurred. One account says the Johnson-Suárez deal was pre-arranged and unrelated to the waiver; another cites roster scarcity as the driver. The Valkyries have not issued an explanation for Suárez’s release.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It appears that deal was agreed to before the draft, and just the league's logistics led to it looking like Flau'Jae was taken by Golden State.” — Sporting News
- “It's still wild to cut a player drafted 16th this soon.” — Sporting News
- “If anyone could make a roster, you'd think it would be her, and she may get another chance elsewhere.” — Sporting News
- “The reality is that making WNBA rosters is still next to impossible for players taken outside the first round.” — Sporting News
What's Next
Suárez now has a 48-hour waiver period; any team may claim her rookie-scale contract. If she clears, Golden State could sign her to a developmental deal, allowing activation for up to twelve games. The Valkyries must finalize their roster before Friday’s opener against the Seattle Storm, the team that acquired Johnson.
