Is Charles Barkley quitting NBA TNT to join CNN primetime show? Explaining rumors behind his potential exit

'Sir' Charles Barkley has been a staple of Inside the NBA since joining the show back in 2000 after retiring from basketball. Alongside Ernie Johnson and fellow NBA veteran Kenny 'The Jet' Smith, Barkley cemented his place in what many consider the best show in basketball.

After four-time champion Shaquille O'Neal joined the crew in 2011, their popularity reached new heights, earning them numerous TV awards. Although Barkley will soon turn 60, he recently signed a 10-year extension with TNT, leading many to think he wasn't going anywhere.

However, news surfaced that CNN could be trying to poach Barkley. According to reports from Puck News, CNN producer Chris Licht is in negotiations with Charles Barkley to host a daily news show on the network. While the deal won't be exclusive, Barkley is planning to retire around 60 for some time now.

Although he can keep both gigs, the odds of him working two around the same time he's considering retirement seems like a longshot. The report reads:

“The Barkley deal would allow Sir Charles to continue his role with TNT, just as the offer to [Gayle] King allows her to continue anchoring CBS Mornings. In Barkley, Licht would be sharing talent with another arm of the Warner Bros. Discovery television universe, a factor that may make the overall deal less burdensome on his P&L."

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Would Charles Barkley really step away from Inside the NBA?

Despite the role offering him flexibility in both positions, many seem to think Charles Barkley will choose just one. Given his longstanding relationship with his Inside the NBA crew, it seems many are confident he remains a part of the program.

Late last year, news emerged that Barkley had signed a ludicrous $100-200 million dollar extension with TNT. The news came in the midst of Barkley receiving a pretty massive offer from LIV Golf to commentate on the event.

At the time, Barkley had already received considerable backlash for the move given the controversy surrounding LIV.

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Back then, it sounded as though despite reports that he would consider retirement, Barkley was planning to stick around for the long haul.

With the latest news, however, it will be interesting to see whether he adds to his work load, or if he is forced to make a tough decision. Given his knack for remaining tuned in to social justice issues, and his desire to continue to spark change in the world, he seems like a natural fit for CNN.

The new role will see Charles Barkley host a primetime show covering daily news and current events. According to the report, the Hall of Famer isn't the only one CNN is interested in. From the sounds of things, in addition to Barkley, the network's producers are looking into people from the world of news, sports, entertainment, and comedy.

Only time will tell what the future holds for the Round Mound Rebound as he approaches 60 years old.