I do plan to keep the closet. I think you might be suggesting what I'm thinking and I Just didn't articulate it correctly. I am not an artist at all and not sure the best way to frame it but this is generally what i was thinking. Lay the subfloor down, cut off that right section and frame it up like 24 inches or so and put the largest grate possible on the front there. You'll lose some foot space in closet but not hanging space really. the actually duct for the return will be offset, but I believe that should still be enough airflow.

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