Charles Barkley reveals potential co-hosting opportunity for primetime show on CNN: “They're trying to pair Gayle King and me”

Charles Barkley has become loved by many for his work as a TV analyst on TNT, and another network might be trying to recruit his talents. The Hall of Fame forward recently discussed a different TV venture that was pitched to him.

Alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, Barkley is a member of the illustrious "Inside the NBA" crew. When he isn't bickering with Shaq, the group gives insight analysis on the current generation of the league.

A recent report from the New York Post cited that CNN is trying to have Charles Barkley do a show with Gayle King. He mentioned that nothing has been finalized, but he is considering the opportunity.

“They are trying to pair Gayle King and me,” Barkley told The Post. “We don’t have anything set in stone. I’m only considering it because of my respect for Gayle.”

Gayle King is a journalist, author and TV personality that has done most of her work for CBS. Due to his schedule and other reasons, Barkley would not be on CNN daily if he were to pursue this opportunity. Barkley and King are already friends and have a great respect for one another.

“It would be an honor and a privilege to work with Gayle,” Barkley said.

Could Charles Barkley make a weekly news show work?

While it's no surprise that Charles Barkley is being sought out by other networks, there a doubts he could make something like this work. For starters, he just signed a ten-year contract over the summer to stay with Warner Brothers Discovery.

With their new deals, Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson are expected to remain together long-term. Seeing that they've had great success in their time together, the Phoenix Suns legend will need a lot to consider walking away.

NBA basketball is not the only thing that occupies Barkley's time. With the NCAA tournament right around the corner, he will also be an analyst for that. Between the tournament and NBA playoffs, it will be months before Barkley has the time to get a weekly news show off the ground.

One thing to point out in all of this is that Barkley already had his eyes on the future. Before signing his new deal, he was contemplating retiring. With that in mind, a chance to do something completely new with someone he admires might be enticing to him.