“I don’t want to be a bad or weird person… I love this team. I’d love to stay here because I’m so happy every day. But 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.” Those were the words of former Seattle Storm center Li Yueru, who stunned the entire basketball community by publicly requesting a trade. Well, less than two weeks later, her wish was granted. The Storm sent her to join Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings in exchange for future draft picks. And now, the Chinese international is speaking out about the move.
Li Yueru arrived in Seattle as part of a headline-grabbing three-team trade that shook up the league, sending Jewell Loyd to the Aces and Kelsey Plum to the Sparks. But in her debut season with the Storm, she struggled to find consistent minutes, averaging just 8.7 per game. So it wasn’t all that surprising when she asked for a trade! After all, every player wants consistent minutes! And in Yueru’s case, just a year ago, she was averaging close to 14.4 minutes a game with the Sparks.
This trade gives Yueru a fresh start and a real chance to shine on a Wings team still trying to find its identity after drafting Paige Bueckers. Following her first practice with the squad, Yueru shared her thoughts on the move, saying: “For me, I’m not 100 percent sure yet what I can do. But I will try to do my best for the team. I’ll do everything the coach wants me to do, everything I can do on the court.”
Despite the first pick of the 2025 draft, Paige Bueckers, averaging an impressive 17.4 points and 6.1 assists per game, the Dallas Wings sit at the bottom of the standings with a 1–11 record. But that’s not all! With both Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsoder set to leave for the FIBA EuroBasket tournament, things were about to get even tougher for head coach Chris Koclanes.
In desperate need of frontcourt reinforcements, the Wings decided to send their 2026 second-round pick and 2027 third-round pick to bring in the Chinese international, who averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds during her time with the Sparks.
The Wings view Li as more than a stopgap, she’s a chance to reshape their attack. With Paige’s slick passing and Li’s 6’7″ frame plus 50% three-point shooting in limited minutes, her presence could open the floor significantly. The coaching staff is exploring how to blend her shooting in pick-and-pop sets to destabilize defenses. Still, Li must prove she can keep pace defensively in Koclanes’ fast, switch-heavy scheme, a challenge she’s working hard to meet.
And in hindsight, this doesn’t look like a bad move at all. Yueru might have her doubts about the move but the coach? None whatsoever! Coach Koclanes wasted no time pointing out the impact the 6’7″ center could make right away. Let’s take a look at what he had to say.
Dallas HC talks about Paige Bueckers’ new teammate
Although her playing time at Seattle was limited, everyone knows the amount of experience Yueru brings to the young Wings side. Everyone still remembers her performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she led China in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.7 points and 11 boards per game. So, it’s no surprise that Coach Koclanes was quick to highlight and praise her abilities
BELGRADE, SERBIA – FEBRUARY 10: Yueru Li of China warms up during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament match between China v Nigeria on February 10, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images)
“She’s a really good three-point shooter—we’re confident in her ability to space,” Koclanes said. “But we’ve got to encourage her to also bring that size to the rim, put pressure on the paint, and use it for offensive rebounding. That’s where she can make a real impact.”
It will be interesting to see how Paige Bueckers and Li Yueru’s combination looks like for the Wings going forward. Can their pick-and-roll game spark magic for the Wings and help them win their next game against the Valkyries? Moreover, will Li’s presence stretch the floor better than before? Excitement among the fans is at an all-time high following Li’s trade. Stay tuned for more updates!
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