“(Michael Jordan) Doesn’t Speak to Me”: Charles Barkley Reveals the Real Reason Behind Beef With Decades-Old “Best Friend”

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan were born only 3 days apart, but now they haven’t spoken to each other for a few decades. Though Barkley doesn’t like questions about his former best friend, this time he name-dropped him while talking about a current NBA player. Chuck and MJ bonded over a shared love for basketball and golf. 12Sports’ Cameron Cox talks exclusively 1-on-1 with Suns legend Charles Barkley about the Suns, Caitlin Clark, and the future of Inside the NBA. Speaking about the Suns, Barkley opened up about his former best friend, Jordan.

The Philadelphia 76ers legend was passionately talking about his Suns and spoke about how Devin Booker or Kevin Durant would have to step up as the leaders. Then he was asked, “Are you and KD on good terms?” Barkley said, “Oh, I don’t know. And I don’t worry about it. Dude, I was best friends with Michael Jordan. He doesn’t speak to me because I said he was bad at his job. You think I’m going to worry about what KD says..”

Later, he explained how Durant is a great player and a great person. But the comments about him were about KD not stepping up and doing a better job as a leader. Yet it seems Durant has taken those words personally. So how deep was Jordan and Barkley’s friendship?

Analyst Barkley offended the executive Michael Jordan

King Charles and His Airness were really close during their time when the two were representing the USA with The Dream Team. Later, some comments from Barkley annoyed Michael Jordan and they haven’t spoken since. Barkley told 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim that Jordan broke off the friendship over comments Barkley made about the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan was the majority owner of the NBA team, who were struggling to win games.

When speaking with Jimmy Traina of SI in August 2023, Barkley revealed he was tired of questions about Jordan. Just like a true royalty, he compared the situation with another royalty soap opera, sharing,  “Yes! A hundred percent. A hundred percent! Because you know what, Jimmy, they act like we Prince William and Prince Harry. Like I said, Michael got mad about something. I said we haven’t spoken and now two times a year I have to defend. … I’m like, ‘Yo, man, Michael’s doing great, Charles is doing great.’ I wish him nothing but the best. But, like, dude, we’re not like Prince Harry and Prince William. We’re not taking shots and by backdoor channels all the time, Michael’s doing great, and I’m doing great.“

This probably was the reason behind their ultimate fallout as well, as Jordan took offense at Barkley’s comment on his poor team management as an owner. Today, the two legends are not on talking terms. However, fans still wish that the veterans squash their beef and make peace.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.