The Dallas Wings are making a significant move to strengthen their defense and shooting as they continue to face challenges in the lane and from beyond the arc. The team has traded a second-round and a third-round draft pick to the Seattle Storm for center Yi Lueru, standing at 6 feet 7 inches.
In the trade, Dallas sent its 2026 second-round pick, which includes the right to swap selections with the Connecticut Sun, and its 2027 third-round pick, which allows for a swap with the Indiana Fever. To accommodate Lueru on the roster, the Wings waived backup guard Kaila Charles, who had been averaging 4.9 points in 14 minutes per game over the first 11 games this season.
Lueru has showcased notable skills this season, shooting 50% from 3-point range in Seattle, and an impressive 91.7% from the free-throw line. During her matchups against the Wings earlier this season, she managed to score six points in just six minutes in a competitive game, indicating her potential impact on the team. Seeking more playing time, Lueru had requested a trade from Seattle.
With Teaira McCowan departing for Eurobasket competition, Lueru fills a crucial need at the center position for the Wings, who previously struggled with their frontcourt’s defensive capabilities against taller opponents. The rookie Luisa Geiselsoder has been filling in as a starter but will also join her national team soon, creating further urgency in boosting the center position.
Lueru’s basketball journey has been rich, beginning in China with the Guangdong Dolphins and including her selection by the Atlanta Dream in the 2019 WNBA Draft. Initially playing in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky, she faced a setback due to injury but has returned as a formidable player. On the international stage, Lueru has made a name for herself with the Chinese national team, earning multiple medals and setting records, including the most points scored by a woman in Chinese Olympic basketball history since 1998 during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This trade reflects the Wings’ commitment to improving their performance and supporting their quest for success in the ongoing season. As Lueru joins the lineup, fans can remain hopeful that her experience and skills will greatly benefit the team moving forward.