The Wings sent a 2026 second-round pick (with swap rights involving Connecticut) and a 2027 third-round pick (with swap rights involving Indiana) to the Seattle Storm to complete the deal. The trade followed a request by Yueru, who had played sparingly in Seattle and sought a larger role.
Inside-out versatility and fit with guards
Yueru, now the tallest player on the Wings’ roster, brings a blend of floor-spacing ability and interior presence to Dallas. Head coach Chris Koclanes said she will be asked to stretch the defense with her shooting while also establishing physicality in the paint.
“She’s a dynamic post player — great size, inside-out skill set,” Koclanes said. “She’s smart. She’s going to pick up our actions quick, and we’re looking forward to adding her to the mix.”
Yueru said she is still figuring out her exact role, but is focused on doing everything the team needs.
“For me, I’m not 100 percent sure yet what I can do,” Yueru said. “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.”
There is optimism that Yueru’s perimeter skill set will prove to be a strong fit in Dallas’ free-flowing, read-and-react offense, much like how Geiselsöder has operated within the system. With her mobility, screening ability, and comfort facing up, Yueru may help open driving lanes for Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
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“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.”
Yueru echoed that sentiment, adding: “I can help with rebounding and defense. This is already a really good rebounding team, so I’ll try to play harder on defense and post up more.”
Dallas will be motivated to get the most out of Yueru’s presence until McCowan and Geiselsöder return, but there’s potential for longer-term value, too. Koclanes has hinted at experimenting with bigger lineups in the future, which could include Yueru and Geiselsöder playing alongside each other.
From trade request to opportunity in Dallas
Drafted 35th overall in the third round of the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream, Yueru delayed her debut until 2022 with the Chicago Sky. Her most productive WNBA season came in 2024 with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 14.4 minutes over 38 games.
Despite a slow start in Seattle this season, Yueru remained on the radar of multiple teams seeking size and floor spacing at the five.
Yueru’s decision to request a trade from Seattle was rare in the WNBA, but it reflected a shared priority between her and the Chinese national team: consistent minutes.
After Sunday’s practice, Koclanes said he was impressed by her willingness to compete and her openness to coaching. The two shared a conversation about her first day with the team. Terminology was something Yueru noted as a difference and something she’ll need to learn. Koclanes emphasized his availability to Yueru to help with the acclimation process.
“She’s mobile, she communicates, and she competes,” Koclanes said. “And having people around her that she already trusts — that matters a lot in the short term.”
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Familiar staff, new teammates and long-term potential
Yueru has strong familiarity with Dallas’ staff, having already played under general manager Curt Miller and assistants Camille Smith and Nola Henry during her time in Los Angeles. She said that connection is helping to smooth her transition.
“That really helps me because we already know each other,” Yueru said. “So I don’t need to take time to know a new coach. It’s like old friends. They know me, and they know how to teach me.”
She also credited her time in Seattle for helping her grow, especially learning from veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor.
“I really appreciate Nneka and Ezi,” Yueru said. “They taught me a lot of things, like how to be a professional player and how to enjoy life outside of basketball. They showed me how to take care of my body, how to breathe, how to stay focused. I appreciate all of it.”
Yueru is still forming new bonds in Dallas, but was particularly excited about joining forces with Bueckers.
“When the news came out, a lot of friends messaged me saying, ‘Wow, you’ll play with Paige!’” Yueru said. “I said, ‘Yes, I do.’ They love her. She’s cute — I just said hi this morning. I hope we can build something together on the court.”
The Wings hope Yueru can help stabilize a 1-11 team that has struggled to find continuity with key players unavailable. Koclanes said her combination of international experience, scoring touch, and defensive size makes her not just a stopgap, but a building block.
“At just 26 years old with her international experience, she’s someone we can invest in and build with,” Koclanes said.
The Wings return to action Tuesday night at College Park Center, where Yueru is expected to make her Dallas debut against the Golden State Valkyries.
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