The Ramos roundup is a weekly sports column highlighting all the news of the week featuring the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union.
Sixers Await LeBron’s Decision
As of this writing, NBA legend LeBron James is still weighing his options on where he’ll play this upcoming season. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, Sixers owner Josh Harris met with James at Fanatics Fest this past weekend in New York. The two apparently chatted briefly at the event and the conversation was considered friendly.
Philadelphia, of course, is among the finalists to land the 23-year veteran. Other teams include James’ hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Friday, James is very close to choosing his next team so perhaps we get some clarity on the situation in the coming days. We’ll be following along right here if news were to break.
Drysdale, Zegras Avoid Arbitration, Sign New Contracts
The Flyers put their finishing touches on their expected last piece of business of the summer, signing defensemen Jamie Drysdale to a four-year, $26 million contract on Friday. Additionally, the orange and black agreed to terms on a new four-year, $36.5 million contract Wednesday night with Trevor Zegras as well. Zegras is now Philadelphia’s highest paid player, carrying a $9.125 million dollar cap hit per year.
Both Drysdale and Zegras are coming off banner years with the Flyers this past season. Drysdale set career highs with eight goals and averaging 21:33 minutes per game, while Zegras notched career-high in goals (26) and points (67).
Drysdale’s new deal is coming in much cheaper than some other younger defenders that have gotten new deals this summer. For example, Simon Nemec, Pavel Mintyukov and Brandt Clarke each got deals worth more money. It’s a solid contract based on the market, with Drysdale showing steady, legitimate growth over the last year.
Union Acquire Defender Kai Wagner
In a surprise move, the Union announced Friday the acquisition of defender Kai Wagner via transfer from Birmingham City F.C. Of course, Wagner is a former three-time MLS All-Star, a two-time MLS Best XI selection back and the Union’s all-time assist leader.
Wagner returns to the boys in blue after a seven-month stint with Birmingham City F.C. in England’s EFL Championship. He made 18 appearances across all competitions, recording three assists and scoring once in an FA Cup Third Round match against Cambridge United.
Now with the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup (Congrats Spain!), the Union return to MLS regular-season action on Wednesday, July 22, when they host Red Bull New York for at Subaru Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will broadcast on Apple TV.
