Michael Jordan once gave an epic reply to Charles Barkley’s trash talks. His Airness and Charles Barkley might not be friends anymore but once upon a time they had a great bond. And when you’re such good friends, a little trash-talk doesn’t hurt. Jordan is known to make no exceptions when it came to trash-talking. Therefore, it was only given that Barkley too wouldn’t be excused. During a 1997 interview with Playboy, MJ shot back a savage reply to Chuck for his constant trash talks during the games.

The sourness between Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley has been in development for a long time. But way before their fallout, the duo were great buddies. Despite being on different teams, Chuck and MJ remained friends for about two decades. There have been countless times when Jordan and Barkley came face-to-face on the court. And probably every time, the duo would exchange small trash talks trying to throw the other off-guard.

During the interview with Playboy, MJ was asked if Barkley was the funniest trash-talker. The six-time NBA champion replied that indeed he was. He added that Chuck would joke about Jordan endorsing just about everything from underwear to cologne. Furthermore, he said that it was his way of getting into someone’s head. However, it didn’t bother MJ.

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“If you’ve had success over him, you can throw it right back. You can call him a great second place finisher,” said Jordan.

Michael Jordan once gave an expensive gift to Charles Barkley

Michael Jordan is acutely competitive. While he is one of the greatest basketball players in the league’s history, he did not shy away from messing with his opponent’s head. In fact, he did not even spare his then-friend Charles Barkley. In 1993, the Chicago Bulls were on their way to winning their third consecutive championship. MJ’s Bulls played against Barkley’s Phoenix Suns in the Finals. However, sensing that Barkley would be an obstacle in his way to becoming the game MVP, MJ knew he would have to get in Chuck’s head.

Just before Game 4 was scheduled to take place, Jordan went to play 48 holes with Barkley. Then, MJ gifted his ‘friend’ a pair of diamond earrings that cost $20,000.

Later when he was asked about the reason behind his gesture, MJ had said, “he won’t get in my way the rest of the series, what’s $20,000 to me? Charles thinks we’re great friends. I hate that fat f**k.”

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Turns out, Jordan was successful in his endeavor. The Chicago Bulls legend scored 55 points in Game 4 as Barkley refrained from touching him even once during the game!