Li Yueru responded to the request for a trade: I don't think I have enough playing time and I am willing to stay in the team if I get a bigger role

On June 6, Beijing time, according to ESPN, after training on Thursday local time, Seattle Storm center Li Yueru explained her trade request, saying that although she enjoyed her first season with the Storm, she wanted more playing time.

"I don't feel like I have enough time on the court," Li Yueru said, "I'm here just to play." I was really happy and grateful because I got to know a lot of teammates, make a lot of new friends, and get to know different staff and coaches. It all makes me happy, but playing is one of the most important things for me. ”

Lee was drafted by the Atlanta Dreamers in 2019 at the age of 19 and made her WNBA debut with the Chicago Sky in 2022, averaging just 5.1 minutes per game. After a year off in 2023, she played more minutes with the Los Angeles Sparks last season, averaging a career-high 14.4 minutes per game (career high) and contributing 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.

As part of Lloyd's trade to the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle's No. 2 pick, Li Yueru was acquired by the Storms. In the Storms' rotation with plenty of depth inside, she plays as a role player in certain situations. Seattle's starting center is 2023 WNBA All-Star Magbegor and he drafted Marlonga with the No. 2 pick.

Li Yueru played a total of 35 minutes in the first two games against towering center Brown and McCown, but has only played more than eight minutes once since. Against McCown's Dallas Wings, she hit two three-pointers in the first quarter, but was denied a chance to play after halftime when McCown didn't play.

"I just want to play," Ms. Li said, "and I came to the U.S. for one reason — I wanted to play basketball." In her speech, Li Yueru made it clear thatIf she could get a bigger role on the Storm team, she would prefer to stay on the team。 "I'd love to stay here," she says, "because it's fun to come to training or go to the stadium every day." ”

However, unless she suffers an injury, she may struggle to get more playing time. The 19-year-old played just 16 minutes in the first three games but has since stepped back into his role, playing at least 10 minutes in four of the Storm's last five games.

Head coach Quinn said Marlonga "grew in a lot of ways" after playing the full fourth quarter against the Aces. She scored eight points on 4-of-7 shooting in the quarter to lead Seattle to a comeback. Quinn also revealed that she has not discussed the role with Li Yueru since her trade request.

"We've talked about her role for a long time," Quinn said, "and she's well aware of that. She's said she likes it here, she loves the team – it's the best she's felt in a while. We need to make her understand the situation we're facing, how she's going to find her chance to play, whether she's playing big or small. She has been very cooperative with this. ”

A source confirmed Ms. Li's trade request to ESPN on Wednesday. According to the source, the Chinese Basketball Association hopes that Li Yueru can get more playing time if she continues to stay in the WNBA. As an important member of the Chinese national team, Li Yueru led the team with an average of 17.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game at the Paris Olympics last year.