On Wednesday, Chinese center Li Yueru officially requested a trade from the Seattle Storm, which was first reported by the Chinese Women’s Hoop Show and confirmed by Khristina Williams of iHeart Radio Women’s Sports.
Yueru was drafted 35th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2019 WNBA Draft and played for the Chicago Sky in 2022 and the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024. Last season, she averaged 5.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 14 minutes per game while appearing in 38 games for the Sparks.
Here are the teams across the WNBA that would fit best for Yueru.
Breaking: Li Yueru’s representatives have formally requested a trade from the Seattle Storm, sources tell @iHRWomensSports.
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) June 4, 2025
Inside Li Yueru’s Play Style
Yueru is recognized for her 6-foot-7 frame and offensive versatility, excelling in the pick-and-roll while continuing to develop her strength and interior game. Additionally, Yueru is a two-time Olympian for the Chinese Women’s National Team. The center had a breakout performance in the Paris Olympics, leading China in points, rebounds, efficiency, and field goal percentage.
Li Yueru is 2-2 from three pic.twitter.com/q3xx8TN0g9
— WNBA Clips & Highlights (@WNBAPlayerWatch) June 4, 2025
The Seattle Storm acquired Li Yueru as part of a three-team trade that sent guard Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces. As part of the deal, the Storm also received the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, which they used to select 19-year-old center Dominique Malonga from France.
Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea commented on the addition of Yueru in the offseason, stating, “Li [Yueuru] brings extensive experience on the international stage and has only begun to make an impact in the W. Her physical presence and efficiency in the paint add important depth to our frontcourt.”
Li Yueru’s Role with the Seattle Storm Through Eight Games
With a starting frontcourt of Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor, the Storm has had an intriguing start to the season and currently holds a 4–4 record through eight games.
After eight games with the Storm, Yueru is averaging 2.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. Seattle is pleased with Malonga’s development and has increased her playing time in recent games. In contrast, Yueru’s playing time has decreased after the team completed its first two games of the season.
Noelle Quinn’s coaching staff is known for not providing bench players much playing time, while three of the starters—Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Gabby Williams—rank among the league’s top 20 in minutes per game.
Las Vegas Aces
With Megan Gustafson and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus out for the Las Vegas Aces due to injury and pregnancy, the team needs a backup forward or center for three-time MVP, A’ja Wilson.
Forward Kiah Stokes is averaging 1.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game through six games for the Aces. Yueru would fit Las Vegas’ system and provide a long-term boost to the bench
Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings have struggled in the frontcourt throughout the first eight games of the season, although they are sixth in the league in team rebounds per game with 35.9. They would need someone consistent on both ends of the court to rebound and score aggressively in the paint.
A change in the frontcourt could be possible for the Wings, who currently have a backcourt trio consisting of DiJonai Carrington, Arike Ogunbowale, and Paige Bueckers. Dallas will also need to acquire someone who can compete against the top players in the forward and center positions across the WNBA. Yueru could be the player who would check all the boxes for the team’s needs.
Currently, head coach Chris Koclanes has tabbed Myisha Hines-Allen and NaLyssa Smith as the starting frontcourt, while 6-foot-7 Teaira McCowan averaged just five points off the bench in the last game
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun revamped their roster in the offseason, losing their starting five. Nonetheless, Marina Mabrey and Olivia Nelson-Ododa remain the only two players to return from last season. Tina Charles made her return to Connecticut in free agency. She previously played for the team from 2010 to 2013 and was the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2012.
The Sun currently rank last in the league this season in both rebounds per game (31.3) and points per game (70.9. This was particularly evident after their tough outing against the New York Liberty on Sunday. Yueru may be the key player who can thrive in Rachid Meziane’s coaching system and create some opportunities for Connecticut.
Phoenix Mercury
The offseason additions of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally in the frontcourt appears to be working well for the Phoenix Mercury while dealing with the absences of Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack.
The Mercury will need someone to contribute to the paint and on the boards while Sabally or Thomas is resting on the bench. Although Phoenix already has Kalani Brown, who has been performing well for the team in recent games, Yueru could also be a potential option.
