What a beautiful sight! America’s favorite hoop analysts running the show for All-Star weekend’s main event… Wait a minute! Is that a sign they’re leaving the NBA for good? Is the league paying tribute to the great show that served the sport tirelessly? The one that served us jokes week after week that we couldn’t stop laughing about? Why on Earth did Kevin Hart break character and suddenly go all emotional about the four legends on the court? So many questions in mind… Don’t worry about it. Let’s figure this out together.

We all know that Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TNT Sports, failed to make the cut for the NBA’s latest billion-dollar media deal. Following this, it ultimately put the spotlight on one of the most beloved shows in the country, Inside the NBA… 

Adam Silver empathized, but that’s all he could really do. Without a doubt, the show captured millions of hearts because of the wit and humor that the real All-Star panel of Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson, brought to the show.

When the fans were worried whether the NBA on TNT would be back post the 2025 season, ESPN, which was part of the latest deal, came in as a savior. The billion-dollar network obtained the license from TNT to run the show in the upcoming seasons. But the only question is, will this quartet give up their loyalty and work with ESPN? The Inside Guys have subtly made their intentions clear.

Shaquille O’Neal wastes no time, doubling down with ‘big‘ deal

Shaq doesn’t need an introduction. The Big Aristotle is one of the more important members of the crew. There, I said it. The humor factory. While Kenny and Ernie try to bring a sense of seriousness into the analysis, Chuck and Shaq do their best to lighten up the show. Anyway, the moment ESPN came into the picture, there was a pressing question looming around the media world.

The big man’s contract with TNT reportedly will expire at the end of the season. So, with Turner yanked out of the picture, everyone wondered whether the NBA legend would continue his stint with the network. Ideally, it would be practical for him to sign with ESPN since they are the award-winning show from here on.

Surprisingly, though, this was the report headlining the newspapers just days ago. “Shaquille O’Neal has an agreement in place for an enormous long-term deal with TNT Sports that will pay him over $15 million per year, Front Office Sports has learned.”

Bringing in another curveball-like scenario, the 4x NBA Champ re-signed with TNT! This did nothing but create a huge confusion regarding the 52-year-old’s participation in the newly reloaded Inside The NBA show on ESPN.

Charles Barkley has made his intentions loud and clear about TNT & ESPN

In 2022, Charles Barkley signed a whooping 10-year extension deal with TNT for $210 million. Notably, the contract had an opt-out clause, considering the widespread uncertainty of the media rights. Now that Turner Network is out of the picture for good, everyone expected the Suns legend to opt out of the contract, but surprisingly, he didn’t!

In an interview, Chuck said, “I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer… I’m gonna cancel future meetings with Amazon.“ 

Above all, the hoops legend heartwarmingly added, “My heart is always and will be at Turner Sports.“

Moreover, this wasn’t the only occasion Barkley made an emotional statement about his attachment to TNT. On another occasion, he declared, “I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving [TNT]… because 25 years is a long time.”

On the other hand, Chuck also decided not to make it difficult for ESPN to run the show. Speaking in his podcast, The Steam Room, Charles revealed that he would sit down with both the networks and then decide whether he would work, or not.

The 61-year-old said, “I’m not going to work more as I get older. And I’m going to sit down with ESPN and TNT more because I just need to know if I’m going to continue working. That’s my only decision going forward, how much I’m going to work.“ More than just determining his loyalty to the TNT, Charles Barkley also hinted at his future with the television business. Well, that’s a shocker!

What are Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson up to?

We don’t really have an update on Ernie Johnson’s future. But, we sure do know where Kenny Smith would end up. The Jet reportedly also has signed a “multi-year” deal with the TNT network. So, it’s time to let our creativity come into play.

With all three of them likely sticking with TNT, we strongly expect Ernie to join them as well. So, it’s time for a conclusion. We see all of them sticking with TNT for the years to come… but with ESPN holding the license for Inside The NBA, we want to be witnessing them on the new network… but can it also mean the NBA on TNT is no more? Honestly, no idea at all! As of now, it looks like it.

Can we enjoy the moment, though? Let’s pause to appreciate upbeat All-Star Game host Kevin Hart. The viral comic took a moment to thank the four TNT & NBA legends in the middle of the Shaq OGs vs Chuck’s Global Stars final. In typical fashion, Hart gave them “gone fishing” gifts, a nod to an “Inside the NBA” segment when a team is eliminated from the playoffs.

How do you feel about all this? Share your thoughts below.