Chinese international Li Yueru is set to join the Dallas Wings as their new center, teaming up with Paige Bueckers. The trade, announced on Saturday by Underdog WNBA via X, formerly Twitter, involves the Wings acquiring Li Yueru from the Seattle Storm in exchange for future draft picks in 2026 and 2027. This move follows Li’s trade request last month, as she sought more playing time.
In return, the Wings gave up a 2026 second-round and a 2027 third-round draft pick. Li’s addition addresses Dallas’s urgent need for size at the center position, aiming to strengthen the team’s interior presence alongside rising stars like Bueckers. The trade surprised many fans, sparking discussions about the motivations behind the deal.
Fan Reactions and Speculation Surrounding the Trade
Fans quickly reacted to the news on social media, expressing a mix of surprise and optimism. Some wondered if Seattle Storm’s general manager had a personal reason for agreeing to the trade with Wings GM Curt Miller.
“Did the Storm GM owe Curt a favor?” —Fan
Others were eager to see how Li would fit into the Wings’ lineup, highlighting the team‘s need for a bigger presence in the paint.
“WINGS GOT SOME SIZE BABY!!!” —Fan
“Wings needed a big. See how she fits,” —Fan
“Good grade for the Wings. They need some size. Low post scoring,” —Fan
There was also speculation about playing time shifts for other Wings players, particularly NaLyssa Smith and Maddy, with some fans questioning if Li’s arrival would reduce their minutes.
“So lyss and Maddy not getting any minutes? lol,” —Fan
“I actually want to see Li Yueru on the wings that seems very interesting because she wants minutes,” —Fan
Li Yueru’s Journey and the Motivation Behind Her Trade Request
Li Yueru’s WNBA career has involved multiple moves since joining the league in 2022. She has struggled to secure substantial minutes and a consistent starting role, bouncing among teams in search of playing opportunities. After being traded from the LA Sparks to the Seattle Storm, her court time decreased significantly, prompting her to seek a trade.
“I came to America only for one reason, to play basketball,” Yueru explained, according to sports writer Percy Allen. “This team is really perfect. (This) is the best team I’ve ever (been on). … We have the best post player in the world, we have 4 post players and I don’t feel I have enough time.”
During her tenure with the Sparks, Li averaged 14.4 minutes per game in 2024, but her time on the floor was cut to 8.7 minutes over nine games with the Storm. Despite limited minutes, she posted averages of 2.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.
What Li Yueru Means for the Dallas Wings Moving Forward
The Wings acquired Li Yueru to fill a clear need at center, hoping her size and skills will bolster their interior offense and defense. Standing 6-foot-7, Li provides the Wings with a promising, physically imposing presence to complement players like Paige Bueckers. This trade appears mutually beneficial: Li gains greater opportunity for playing time, Dallas enhances their roster, and Seattle receives valuable draft assets to build for the future.
As the Wings integrate Li Yueru into their rotation, fans will watch closely to see how she adjusts and contributes to Dallas’s campaign. This decision could influence team dynamics and playing time allocations, particularly for other frontcourt players like NaLyssa Smith. Li’s move signals the Wings’ ambition to compete more aggressively down low and improve their postseason prospects.