Paige Buckers and Li Yueru may have changed teams for Unrivaled's second season, but the Dallas Wings’ besties click just the same.

Bueckers and Li joined Aari McDonald and Rachel Banham’s Unfiltered with Aari and Rachel on January 15. During their conversation, Yueru said that Paige is her favourite dancer in the Unrivaled team.

Yet here’s the catch. While Bueckers plays for Breeze, Li’s team is Mist. However, the fact that they share the same WNBA team created the opportunity for the banter.

Paige Bueckers' reaction, immediately high-fiving Yueru, was telling of the bond they share, despite currently being on-court rivals in Unrivaled. That's something Benham even reminded Yueru: "She's not on your Unrivaled team. No, Li, that does not work," said the host.

However, many WNBA fans have called these two a “dream duo,” and they had great chemistry from the get-go. The 6-7 Center joined the Wings in 2025 for the less playtime she got on the Seattle Storm’s court. She managed 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per game. However, in Dallas, that spiked up to 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a season-high 24 minutes of playtime.

"It's gotta be tough coming to a team almost halfway through the season and still having a great understanding of how to play with us, so the chemistry will continue to keep building, but she plays extremely hard," Paige Bueckers said about Yueru.

And Bueckers maintained, "It's really fun to play with her". However, their on-court friendship may come to an end sooner.

Wings Without Li Yueru in 2026

Li’s contract hasn’t been expanded past the 2025 season despite the 22 games and good stats with the Wings. The upcoming expansion draft puts the Center’s future with the team uncertain. Jess Koffie explained why she might be a great pick for Toronto Tempo.

"Li Yueru adds a distinct skill set to Toronto’s frontcourt: international experience combined with polished interior scoring. She offers reliable rebounding, strong finishing near the rim, and the ability to operate as a complementary post alongside Stevens or Sabally," Koffie stated

Her size alone impacts shot selection for opponents, while her footwork and soft touch allow Toronto to diversify offensive sets in the paint," she added.

Li has played three Unrivaled games for Mist so far, averaging 5.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. And as Bueckers said, "She's super smart, she has a high IQ. She understands the game".

Will Li Yueru be wearing her Wings’ 28 this 2026 or find her way to Toronto?

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi