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Myles Garrett has formally requested his trade from the Cleveland Browns, but not without consulting and seeking advice from important Cleveland figureheads first: LeBron James.
According to ESPN’s Browns report Daniel Oyefusi, Garrett even reached out to Akron’s own James, who similarly moved on from his hometown Cavaliers when he felt it was the time. He did so twice after returning to Cleveland and delivering a championship, before setting off to Hollywood for his final career arc.
Not much about that conversation was disclosed, other than Garrett asking for advice and what a transition may look like.
Garrett’s connection to Ohio isn’t as deeply rooted as LeBron’s, but his tenure with the Browns has helped him form a bond with the city. Following a 3-14 season and turning 30 next season, most would have had their minds up by mid-season, but this was a decision Garrett sat on and considered both sides greatly for, otherwise he would not have spoken to Berry or James.
Garrett boasts a fair amount of star power and influence in Cleveland, though no one is touching James’ status anytime soon. James had far more control of his situation than Garrett would with his. The front office has not indicated they’ll be trading Garrett and has publicly dismissed the idea, so the standoff is likely to last deep into the off-season.
While Garrett’s trade request may drag through the off-season, the situation could gain clarity during the NFL combine at the end of February, when decision-makers start having conversations about key decisions for the following season.