Just four games into her Dallas Wings career in 2025, China’s Li Yueru was already enjoying playing alongside No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. The 6’7” center became so fond of her new teammate that she called Bueckers “so cute!”
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Well, that friendship only grew stronger over the next few months. They formed a strong partnership on the court, with Bueckers praising Yueru’s basketball IQ. Off the court, they were, as Yueru put it, “besties.” Now, sadly, Bueckers’ comment on the 27-year-old’s latest Instagram post may have hinted that the two could soon be going their separate ways.
“Liskiiii💙🥹” Bueckers wrote on Yueru’s Instagram post.
Yueru joined the Dallas Wings in 2025 after a trade with the Seattle Storm, who received a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for her. Her arrival added frontcourt depth alongside Bueckers, but wins didn’t come immediately.
The Wings finished the 2025 regular season with a dismal 10-34 record. Yueru played 22 regular-season games, averaging 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, but she suffered an ACL sprain and missed the final 10 games. The turnaround for the franchise finally arrived during the historic 2026 season under new leadership.
Yueru signed a one-year deal after accepting a qualifying offer on April 8, with a base salary of $277,500, according to Spotrac. However, her role with the Wings deteriorated following the additions of 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, both of whom are forwards.
For the Wings, at least, the new additions have been a success, especially Shepard, who averaged a double-double of 14.5 points and 11.1 rebounds during the regular season. For the first time since 2023, the Jose Fernandez-coached Wings reached the playoffs as the seventh seed.
Yueru was playing just 8.7 minutes per game in Seattle, and her role increased after joining the Wings, as she averaged 20.0 minutes and made 12 starts. However, that changed under new head coach Fernandez this season.
Yueru’s minutes dropped to 10.3 per game, while her averages also fell to 3.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. She also missed the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup after her replacement passport was lost in the mail, leaving her unable to travel to Germany in time, according to ESPN.
With her one-year qualifying offer now complete, the Chinese baller enters the winter as a restricted free agent.
“So grateful for this season, for the incredible teammates I got to share it with, and for every bit of love and support from our amazing fans. Thank you for being there, for believing in us, and for making this journey so special. See you soon at Unrivaled,” Yueru wrote.
The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league is set to begin its third season in January 2027. Yueru is joining Mist BC, the reigning champions who defeated Phantom BC 80-74 in the March 2026 final. Alongside stars like Breanna Stewart, Arike Ogunbowale, and Alanna Smith, Yueru will look to strengthen the team’s frontcourt as it aims to win back-to-back titles.
Meanwhile, in the WNBA, Yueru could explore other options in restricted free agency unless the Wings decide to make room for her. With Jessica Shepard and Awak Kuier ahead of her in Fernandez’s rotation, the 6’7” baller could attract teams looking for size and rim protection off the bench.
Li Yueru could be an interesting prospect for the Minnesota Lynx
We all saw the uninspiring effort from the Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Liberty. Cheryl Reeve’s team simply couldn’t match their intensity or handle their physicality.
That was especially clear when 5’10” rookie Olivia Miles was surrounded by 6’4” Breanna Stewart and 6’6” Jonquel Jones, making it difficult for her to have the same impact we saw during the regular season.
Adding Yueru to the mix could give Reeve a much-needed physical presence inside. The Lynx have struggled against bigger, more physical teams, which was one of the reasons the eighth-seeded Liberty had their number. Angel Reese’s Atlanta Dream also found plenty of success against them during the regular season.
Miles could benefit from having Yueru around, too. Her screens could create more room for Miles to attack the basket, while her presence in the paint could also open up more opportunities for the rookie as a playmaker.
A fresh start could do wonders for Yueru after a frustrating 2026 campaign. Her role took a hit under Jose Fernandez following her ACL recovery, and missing the World Cup only added to the disappointment. Now, with restricted free agency ahead, it remains to be seen whether a move to Minnesota could give her career the reset it needs.