Seattle Storm, Dallas Wings Agree To Notable Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 4:13 PM ET

One of the WNBA's tallest frontcourt players is reportedly on the move.

On Saturday, the Seattle Storm granted Li Yueru's trade request after the Chinese-born center shared that she'd like a change of scenery.

"I don't feel I have enough time on the court," Li told the media last week. "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."

Now she will get the chance to play alongside first overall pick Paige Bueckers with the Dallas Wings — who sent a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round selection to Seattle in exchange for her services.

Li was one of the stars of the 2024 Paris Olympics where she led her country in both scoring (17.7 PPG) and rebounding (11.0 RPG) during group stage play.

The 6-foot-7 Chinese star had only averaged 8.7 minutes in her nine appearances with the Storm this season where she put up 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.

So far in her WNBA career she's played in 63 career games with two starts across stints with the Storm, Sparks and Sky.

"I just want to play," Li said of her trade request. "I came to America only for one reason — just that I want to play basketball."

She'll join centers Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsoder on the Wings' roster — a team that's 1-11 over its first 12 games after going just 9-31 last year.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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