Bryce Harper was looking for a long-term deal without an opt-out clause and a no-trade clause in his contract.

Harper told the Philadelphia Phillies he wanted to go to one place and know which hat he'd wear to Cooperstown.

The Phillies were unsure whether this was a negotiating ploy or sincere, but they found his position to be genuine. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers were offering a short-term deal to Harper so they could maintain long-term flexibility. 

Scott Boras engaged the Phillies the day after Manny Machado agreed to a 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres. Philadelphia's first offer was $330 million over 15 years on Feb. 24. During internal brainstorming, the Phillies considered a 20-year deal. The Phillies held firm on $330 million and were flexible on years.

When the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants then met with Harper in Las Vegas, Boras countered to the Phillies with a three- or four-year deal with a $40 million annual average. Then they countered with a six- or seven-year deal with a $35 million average offer to combat the strategies of the Dodgers and Giants.

Harper's camp wanted a record length, a recover overall total and a record average annual value. The Phillies said to feel free to take it if they could get it from a rival team.