Arlington, Texas — Last off-season, three-time WNBA Champion Alysha Clark and Li Yueru were in training camp as teammates for the Seattle Storm.
Before the start of training camp, the Storm acquired Yueru along with the second pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, which turned out to be Dominique Malonga out of France, from the Los Angeles in a three-team trade that sent Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces along with the 13th pick [draft rights to Aaliyah Nye] from Los Angeles. The Sparks would receive two-time WNBA champion and four-time WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum from the Aces, along with the 9th pick [the draft rights to Sarah Ashlee Barker] from the Storm.
Li Yueru’s Arrival and Quick Departure from Seattle
“Li brings extensive experience on the international stage and has just scratched the surface on her impact in the W,” said Seattle Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea. “Her physical presence and efficiency inside the paint adds critical depth to our frontcourt, and we can’t wait for the Storm community to welcome her to Seattle.”
Unfortunately for Clark and Yueru, they wouldn’t be teammates for long in Seattle, as Yueru would request a trade to seek more playing time.
Seattle would trade the four-year veteran to the Dallas Wings in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2026 WNBA draft and a third-round selection in 2027, according to ESPN.
“I don’t feel I have enough time on the court,” Li, a native of China, said last week. “I came here only to play the game. I’m really happy and appreciative because I know many teammates, I’ve made many new friends and know many different staff, coach. These really let me feel happy, and I’m so glad for that, but playing is one of the important things for me.”
Per ESPN, a source shared with them “that the Chinese federation wanted Li to get more playing time if she was to remain in the WNBA.”
“I just want to play,” Li said. “I came to America only for one reason — just that I want to play basketball.”
Alysha Clark signed with the Storm for her second stint with the franchise on February 9th, 2025.
“I’m really excited about coming back to Seattle where it all started! The organization that gave me a chance in this league. The fans that embraced me from day 1. The city that holds so many memories for me and my family. I can’t wait to get on the court with my teammates and get to work. Seattle, WE’RE BAAAAAACK,” said Clark.
Former Storm head coach Noelle Quinn spoke about Clark’s ability to affect the game on both sides of the ball.
“Alysha’s ability to influence the game on both ends of the court is rare. She is an experienced leader and brings an unmatched level of defensive strength and skill. Not to mention, she’s won three championship titles, so she knows what it takes to compete and win,” said Quinn. “Her connection with Seattle is special, and I know our fans and community are excited to welcome her back.”
Alysha Clark Second Stint In Seattle Didn’t Last Long Either
At the trade deadline, the Seattle Storm would trade Alysha Clark and Zia Cooke, along with their 2026 first-round pick the draft rights to Angela Dugalić), to the Mystics for Brittney Sykes.
“We’re grateful for Slim’s contributions this season as she played a key role in our growth,” said Jamila Wideman. “We’re proud of the individual success she achieved during her time with us, including earning her first All-Star selection. This allows Slim the opportunity to join a team that is expected to contend for a championship this season.”
Clark On Chemistry With Li Yueru, Helping Her Transition To Dallas Wings After Signing
Last week, Alysha Clark signed with the Dallas Wings, and Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller spoke about bringing in veteran leadership and her ability to compete.
“We are excited about the signing of Alysha Clark,” said Miller. “Our goal during this offseason was adding additional veteran leadership to our locker room. AC is a respected veteran in this league and brings versatility to our roster. She is a three-time champion and a fierce competitor. She has many of the intangibles we were looking for.”
On Thursday, after the Wings’ fifth day of training camp, Clark spoke about how having chemistry with Yueru helps speed up the transition to Dallas.
“Li’s my girl. It’s been good, just because, you know, anytime you can have some familiarity with someone, it just helps expedite that chemistry,” Clark shared with LandonBuford.com.
“I’m familiar with her game, she’s familiar with mine. so when we’re out on the court together, it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that—look for this.’ It just makes everything quicker. It’s nice to have a familiar face here.”
Clark was later asked how she had seen Yueru continue to grow as a player.
“Yeah, I think her communication has been a big one. She comes out here and says exactly what she sees and what she wants. If she reads something, she’s not afraid to tell you—like, ‘Hey, I saw this, do this,” said Clark.
“And then just the way she continues to stay aggressive inside. She’s obviously a great stretch big—she can shoot it—but you can tell she’s really emphasized being a physical presence in the paint as well. That’s been great to see. Nobody really wants to go up against her inside—she can be a monster inside.”