We are weeks into the WNBA season, and somehow the Seattle Storm are in legal trouble — again. In 2024 the team's coaching staff was investigated for harassment and bullying after allegations were raised by players; in 2025, the coaching staff is being investigated for language used when speaking to players. On top of that, Li Yueru, who joined the Storm in February, has requested a trade, yet another sign that things in Seattle are not as strong as they seem.
While there's not much anyone else in the WNBA can do help the Storm out with the allegations against the team's coaching staff, there is a window of opportunity for Yueru: the Lynx waived rookie Marieme Badiane on Thursday, June 5, creating a hole in the team's size that the 6'7" Yueru could certainly fill. The solution isn't exactly neat and tidy, but it's one that might work.
The Lynx have a size problem against the Liberty
There's no getting around it: the New York Liberty have size on their side this season, and that combined with truly elite skill has been a major factor in their success so far this season. Right now, the Lynx and the Liberty are the only undefeated teams in the league — and they don't meet for the first time until July 30.
Yueru is looking for more playing time
The only potential snag here is that Yueru is leaving in part because she wants more time on the court, and the Lynx don't have a lot of time to give her. To be fair, there aren't many teams in the WNBA who do. If playing time is truly Yueru's top issue, she may struggle to find a new home in the league that can meet the standard she's requesting.
This isn't the first time Yueru has requested a trade from a team due to the same issue. She left the Sparks last season, reportedly because she didn't see enough time on the court. There isn't any world where the Lynx's core members receive less time to give Yueru more, so while the idea is an interesting theory, it's unclear how the pieces could come together in terms of time played.
The Lynx has the cap space for Yueru
There is one all-important factor that could prompt a move: the Lynx don't have a lot of cap space left, even with Badiane's departure, and bringing on Yueru would save the team money that they need.