** Dallas Wings Acquire Li Yueru to Enhance Roster Depth

**
In a significant move ahead of the 2025 WNBA season, the Dallas Wings have secured center Li Yueru from the Seattle Storm. This transaction, which took place on Saturday, involves the Wings sending a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to Seattle, both of which come with rights to swap picks with other teams, as reported by CBS Sports.

Li Yueru, a promising talent in her third year, previously made headlines earlier this month when she openly requested a trade from the Storm. Her dissatisfaction stemmed from limited playing time, a concern that has become increasingly common among players seeking greater involvement on the court. Yueru, who was part of a high-profile trade from the Los Angeles Sparks to the Storm in the offseason during the Jewell Loyd-Kelsey Plum deal, expressed her eagerness to contribute more significantly to her team’s efforts.

“I don’t feel I have enough time on the court,” Yueru stated last week, underscoring her desire for more playing minutes. “I came here only to play the game. I’m really happy and appreciative because I’ve made many new friends and know many different staff, coach. These really let me feel happy, but playing is one of the important things for me.”

The Chinese national team has also been vocal about their expectations for Yueru, especially after her standout performance at the Paris Olympics, where she averaged 17.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. Sources told CBS Sports that the federation is keen for her to see more action in the WNBA to maintain her development.

With this trade, the Wings are not only granting Yueru her wish for more playing time but are also enhancing their frontcourt depth in a competitive Western Conference. The addition of Yueru is expected to provide a boost, particularly as the Wings look to establish a strong presence in the playoffs this season.

Analyzing the trade from both sides, the Wings are betting on Yueru’s potential to develop into a key player. Her size and skill set could complement their existing roster, which has been striving for greater versatility. On the other hand, the Storm will look to leverage their draft picks in future seasons, potentially setting themselves up for a strategic rebuild or roster enhancements.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Yueru integrates into the Wings’ system and whether she can translate her international success into a more significant role in the WNBA. This trade marks a pivotal moment for both Yueru and the Wings, as they aim to solidify their positions in the league.

**