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NBA·TRANSACTION·June 9, 2026 11:25 PM ET

Sam Presti Counsel Facilitated Myles Garrett Blockbuster Trade

Thunder GM advised Cleveland on maximizing trade return.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 101 min read
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Oklahoma City ThunderNBA

What happened: Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti reportedly provided strategic counsel to Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry during the negotiations that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Presti encouraged the Browns to prioritize a "blue-chip" young player in the return, leading to the acquisition of reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse.

Why it matters: The collaboration highlights a rare instance of cross-sport executive consulting on a high-leverage superstar swap. By applying Presti's high-yield trade philosophy, the Browns secured a new defensive cornerstone and multiple draft assets to stabilize their long-term roster construction following the Garrett era.

What to watch: Cleveland will pivot its defensive identity around Jared Verse while the Rams integrate Garrett into their pass rush for a championship run.

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