Dallas Wings Announce Trade After Unfortunate Roster Decision

However, there was likely a good reason for this roster cut, as just a minute later, the Wings also announced that they have traded a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to the Seattle Storm for center Li Yueru.

Since Dallas did not send a player in return for Yueru, they had to get their roster back down to 12 players, which likely led to Charles' release.

"OFFICIAL: The Dallas Wings have acquired center Li Yueru from the Seattle Storm in exchange for two future draft selections."

Yueru, standing at 6-foot-7 from Shanxi, China, was selected by the Atlanta Dream in the third round of the 2019 WNBA Draft. However, she didn't make a WNBA roster until 2022, when she played 16 games for the Chicago Sky. She also had a short stint with the LA Sparks. 

In 2025 with Seattle, Yueru is averaging 2.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. But her trade may not come as a surprise to some, as Yueru had requested a trade in early June.

"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, coach. These really let me feel happy, and I'm so glad for that, but playing is one of the important things for me."