When the Dallas Wings made Paige Bueckers the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, they had a vision of her turning the franchise around. Bueckers has played as expected, averaging a strong 17.4/4.5/6.1 line, while shooting efficiently and playing good defense. The rest of the team hasn’t been up to her level.
Arike Ogunbowale and Dijonai Carrington have done their part, but a lack of star power and talented depth has been apparent. Their season is already all but over given their putrid record, but the team isn’t laying down just yet. In order to try to jumpstart their season, the front office made a move to help Bueckers and co. out a bit.
Dallas Wings trade for Li Yueru from Seattle Storm
On Saturday, the Wings acquired Li Yueru from the Seattle Storm in exchange for a second and third round pick. It comes a day after the Wings lost their 11th game in 12 contests. They are the worst team in the league, so they needed to do something in order to try to turn around their season and keep Bueckers engaged.
Yueru will have a chance to make an impact for a team that is set to be without its main centers for a period of time. The Wings have relied on Luisa Geiselsoder and Teaira McCowan at the position, but both will be participating in the EuroBasket Women 25 tournament that’s set to run from June 18-29. Yueru will be able to step right in in their absence.
At 6-foot-7 with plenty of professional and international experience, Yueru hasn’t made the impact in the WNBA that her production and physical profile would suggest. A fresh start could be just what she needs, and the Wings need any type of spark to get their season going.
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