Dallas Wings Acquire Li Yueru from Seattle Storm Amid EuroBasket Departures

The Dallas Wings have acquired center Li Yueru from the Seattle Storm in exchange for two future draft selections, the team announced Friday. Seattle will receive Dallas’ 2026 second-round pick, which includes the right to swap with the Connecticut Sun, and Dallas’ 2027 third-round pick, which includes the right to swap with the Indiana Fever.

The move comes as Dallas faces a significant frontcourt gap, with centers Luisa Geiselsöder and Teaira McCowan expected to be away from the team until early July while competing in EuroBasket. Geiselsöder departs today, June 14, to join Germany’s national team. McCowan has already left to play for Turkey. Their absences create an immediate opportunity for Yueru to step in and contribute.

In a subsequent move, the Wings waived Kaila Charles after she did not appear in Friday’s loss against the Las Vegas Aces. The move ensures that Dallas can maintain short-term roster flexibility. Charles averaged 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 games played, including recently starting and playing 31 minutes against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Yueru will arrive in Dallas on Saturday but will need to complete the trade process before potentially being able to practice on Sunday. There is optimism about that occurring. Additionally, Dallas has three days off until returning to action against the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday at College Park Center.

Dallas Wings Add Much-Needed Depth

Yueru, a 6-foot-7 center with a polished skill set and extensive international background, appeared in nine games for Seattle this season. Though used in a limited role, she shot 50.0% from three-point range and 91.7% from the free-throw line. Before joining the Storm in a February trade from Los Angeles, Yueru played in all 38 games for the Sparks in 2024, averaging 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds. Her 89.8 percent free-throw mark ranked third in the WNBA.

Seeking more meaningful minutes, Yueru requested a trade earlier this season. While praising the Storm organization, she made it clear her priority was playing time.

“I don’t feel I have enough time on the court,” Yueru said. “I came here only to play the game. I’m really happy and appreciative because I know many teammates, I’ve made many new friends, and know many different staff and coaches. These really let me feel happy, and I’m so glad for that, but playing is one of the important things for me.”

Yueru emphasized her trade request had nothing to do with team culture or chemistry, expressing deep appreciation for her teammates, coaches, and the positive environment she experienced in Seattle. While she described the Storm as “the best team I’ve ever been on,” Yueru reiterated that her decision stemmed solely from a desire for more playing time and the opportunity to make a greater on-court impact.

“I don’t want to be a bad or weird person,” Yueru said. “I love this team. I’d love to stay here because I’m so happy every day… When I only play 3–4 minutes in a game, that’s a bit sad for me. I hope I can feel happy and excited every day, and I hope I can get some more time.”

Olympic Star Seeks Expanded Role in Dallas

Drafted 35th overall by the Atlanta Dream in 2019, Yueru made her WNBA debut in 2022 with the Chicago Sky after navigating a pair of trades and international obligations. She averaged 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds over 16 games with Chicago. After missing the 2023 season due to injury, she joined Los Angeles prior to the 2024 season and was later traded to Seattle.

Yueru began her professional career in 2015 with the Guangdong Dolphins in the Women’s Chinese Basketball League. She has anchored the Chinese national team since 2017, collecting two gold medals at the Asian Games, two silver medals at FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup events, and a bronze at the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yueru led China with 17.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. She made history with a 31-point performance against Spain on July 28 — the most points scored by a Chinese woman in Olympic basketball since 1998.

Cultural Adjustment and Family Support Shape Li Yueru’s Journey

Adjusting to life in the U.S. has been a significant transition for Yueru, who described the cultural shift as both challenging and deeply rewarding. From learning a new language and adapting to different team dynamics to experiencing unfamiliar cities and customs, Yueru said each step has contributed to her personal growth and resilience.

“For me, I feel it’s really different, but interesting — in a different country, different city, and, you know, different culture,” Yueru said. “I think everything helps me a lot and I try to learn different culture and how to live in this culture.”

Yueru credited her family with being a constant source of encouragement throughout her journey, from leaving China to pursue her WNBA dream to navigating the challenges of playing abroad. She emphasized how their support helped her stay grounded and confident in the face of cultural and professional adjustments.

“I trust my family, and my family is really supporting me,” Yueru said. “They told me, you know, that’s your life, you only live once. So just do what you want to, have fun.”

Now in Dallas, Yueru arrives at a moment when the Wings need size, stability, and rotation-ready help in the post. With Geiselsöder and McCowan sidelined for the coming weeks, the opportunity for minutes is immediate.

“This team is really perfect,” Yueru said of her time in Seattle. “We have the best post player in the world, we have four post players, and I don’t feel I have enough time.”

In Dallas, that time may finally come.