NFL insider Eliot Shorr-Parks drew a parallel between Bryce Harper and LeBron James after the latter’s surprise move to the Philadelphia 76ers.
James announced that he has signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers on Friday, which includes a player option, ending weeks of free agency speculation. He reportedly turned down significantly more lucrative offers from teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors.
Following the announcement, Eagles insider Shorr-Parks compared the NBA star’s move to Harper’s move to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.
“LeBron picking the Sixers is similar to when Bryce picked the Phillies. A true shocking, remember where you were moment All-time massive stars picking Philly #⚾️ #🏀,” He wrote.
Harper’s move to the Phillies was also one of the biggest free-agency decisions in MLB history. In 2019, he signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with Philadelphia, reportedly turning down a shorter deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers that offered a higher average annual salary.
Earlier this month, Bryce Harper also publicly made a pitch to LeBron James to join the Philadelphia 76ers during an interview at the MLB All-Star Game.
When Bryce Harper opened up about joining the Philadelphia Phillies
After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in February 2019, Bryce Harper explained his decision during a media appearance. He said one of his priorities in free agency was joining a team that would offer him a no-trade clause.
Revealing that he was looking for a long-term deal, he said:
“From Day 1, when I got drafted. It was all about ‘He’s going to the Yankees. He’s going to the Dodgers. He’s going here. He’s going there.’ That’s all everybody talked about. That’s all anybody wanted to talk about. They wanted to talk about this moment. For me, going through this process, it was, ‘Where can I be with no opt-outs, with a no-trade, where I can be for a long time?’ And not have to worry about going anywhere else.”
He added:
“For me, it was all about the long haul. It was about being able to dig my roots. Being able to be somewhere I could be for a long time. I think you’re always remembered for winning. And what better place to do it than in Philly?”
Bryce Harper and the Phillies are next scheduled to face the New York Yankees on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.
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