The Seattle Storm might have hit a major jackpot with the Flau’jae Johnson trade on draft night, but Sue Bird’s latest reflection of it gives the perfect backdrop of how it fares in the larger spectrum of the team’s plans. With the advent of abundant young players like Johnson in the Seattle roster, the team is transitioning to a new era, prompting Seattle legend and current part-owner, Bird, to urge the community to be patient with her team.
Speaking at the iHeart Women’s Sports podcast, Bird explained in detail about her behind-the-scenes of the Johnson trade, remarking why it means so much for the franchise.
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“I wasn’t surprised coz I knew,” Bird said of the Johnson trade. “I wish somebody would have had a solo cam one me right when Cathy was like, “And we have a trade,” I was like, “Yep, announce that thing”, I went to social media and everyone was like, “Oh, Sue did that,” and I was like, “I wish I could take credit.” That was shout out to Talisha Rhea, our GM, and the War Room. I’m super excited for Flau’jae to be in Seattle. But I actually didn’t do anything.”
Being a part-owner of the Storm after having joined the ownership group Force 10 Hoops LLC in 2024, it’s quite certain that Bird would have known a bit about Johnson’s trade on the draft night. Bird didn’t stop there and also delved into Johnson’s fit into the franchise, explaining that only time can determine how this association and this new system under head coach Sonia Raman turns out.
“It’s a big TBD,” Bird said. “We have a new coach, Sonia Raman, so, like, she’s bringing in a new system. She hasn’t been a head coach in the WNBA before. So, I obviously have an idea of what she’s going to be doing, but we’ll get to see, like I’ll be watching with you guys how it unfolds. The best part of Flau’jae is joining a really young, talented group of Dominique Malanga. We’ve drafted Awa Fam as we just said,”
Bird’s assessment is backed to the hilt. The Seattle Storm is just going through a coaching change (moving on from Noelle Quinn) and is also on the verge of a shift in its team dynamics. For instance, if you see their team formation last year, most of the responsibility was vested in veterans like Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Gabby Williams, and Erica Wheeler.
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But the franchise lost all these players to free agency earlier this month. They have a few remaining veterans, like Ezi Magbegor, but the team is built around young players like Johnson. Even though players like Johnson and Fam are seasoned campaigners in their pre-WNBA phase, they will definitely need time to settle into the team, making Bird’s case even more feasible.
But this substantial mix of youth and experience is something Sue Bird feels is a “good mix” for the team’s long-term sustainability. Now, it’s a given fact that Flau’jae Johnson is nowhere close to the level of Nneka Ogwumike or Diggins-Smith, considering her rookie experience. But a young, dynamic guard like Johnson’s addition doesn’t just address the team’s immediate concerns but also solidifies its future for years to come amid this rebuilding.
Mar 24, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) looks on against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Storm GM Talisha Rhea also echoed the same sentiment in her latest assessment of the Johnson trade from the Valkyries. “We’re really excited about how she aligns and helps us this year, but also is going to be a really important piece for us as we’re building for the future,” she said.
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All in all, it will be interesting to see how Flau’jae Johnson transitions from a successful collegiate career with LSU to her pro career in Seattle in a new system and under a new coach. But even before she has made her first move on the hardwood, Johnson has made her feelings clear on her major aspirations with the team.
Flau’jae Johnson Looks to Follow in the Footsteps of Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart
Over the years, the Seattle Storm has been one of those franchises that has seen absolute legends bossing their courts. Right from Sue Bird, then to transcend into the era of Breanna Stewart, and finally to Nneka Ogwumike, the franchise has seen it all. And this glorious history is what Johnson is looking to rebuild again in the team.
Speaking at her latest press conference for the Storm during team training camp, Johnson discussed these emotions, stating that she wants to follow in the footsteps of these veteran Storm players. “Definitely Sue, Breanna, and Nneka,” Johnson said of the players she associates the franchise with. “When I came in the gym this morning, I looked at those banners. And I’m like, wow, look at the history. And I’m a historian. I love all types of history. So, I think it’s important to study the history and know what this means.
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“That goes from just the organization, owners and everybody that’s a part of it. I’m grateful to be here, and I understand what this program is like. Just look at this facility, it’s really a player first mentality. That just makes me want to go all out. But I know the history and that’s something we want to cultivate again,” she added.
Flau’jae Johnson’s aspirations seem quite gigantic on paper, considering the legacy these players have created with multiple WNBA titles. Of course, with the career she has navigated in her college career (14.6 points across her collegiate career and 5.3 assists), the Savannah native is free to dream. But that’s a tale for another day, as only time can tell if her aspirations turn to reality.
The Seattle Storm has larger hiccups to discuss for now. In an unexpected turn of events, Storm’s senior Ezi Magbegor has suffered a right foot injury. According to reports, she will miss around 7-8 weeks of action on the court. Thus, it will put even more pressure on youngsters like Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam to step up in this crucial phase of the team.
The team will tip off their campaign with two preseason games: against the Golden State Valkyries on April 25 and against the Portland Fire on April 29. What are your expectations for Johnson’s role and performance in these initial games? Do you see her being a game changer?
