The Dallas Wings have made a bold midseason move to bolster their frontcourt, acquiring 6-foot-7 center Li Yueru from the Seattle Storm in exchange for two future draft selections, the team announced today.
As part of the deal, Seattle will receive Dallas’ 2026 second-round pick, which includes the right to swap with the Connecticut Sun, and the Wings’ 2027 third-round pick, which includes swap rights with the Indiana Fever.
Yueru, 26, brings a rare combination of international pedigree, interior size, and elite shooting touch to a Wings roster navigating depth issues due to injuries and national team obligations. Through nine games with Seattle this season, Yueru has shot an impressive 50% from three-point range and 91.7% from the free-throw line. She previously spent the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 38 appearances. Her 89.8% free-throw percentage ranked third in the WNBA last season.
Originally drafted by the Atlanta Dream with the 35th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Yueru made her league debut in 2022 with the Chicago Sky after being traded twice. She missed the 2023 season due to injury before joining the Sparks.
Yueru is a decorated member of the Chinese national team, debuting in 2017 and earning multiple international medals, including two golds at the Asian Games and a silver at the FIBA Women’s World Cup. She starred at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 17.7 points and 11.0 rebounds, including a historic 31-point performance against Spain — the most by a Chinese woman in Olympic basketball since 1998.
With the acquisition, Dallas adds much-needed depth and international experience to its rotation as it continues Commissioner’s Cup play. Yueru’s size and touch around the rim could prove vital for a Wings squad currently without Teaira McCowan and Maddy Siegrist.
The Wings (1-11) return to action Tuesday night at home against the Golden State Valkyries. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at College Park Center.
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