The NBA on TNT saga has been a rollercoaster for us. Even more so for the guys at the center of it all. Shaq, Chuck, Ernie, and Kenny had a lot to consider when TNT went from negotiating to losing the NBA. Now there’s more to calibrate as Charles Barkley cancels retirement to stay in his TV home of 24 years. Everyone’s sure Ernie Johnson’s three-decade-old loyalty to Turner will win out. Kenny Smith has remained vague. But, Shaquille O’Neal has not given any insight into his mind.

After keeping it lowkey himself, The Jet finally gave his open thoughts about how he feels regarding the Inside the NBA situation. Kenny hasn’t formally said if he’s staying though and his decision is hinging on his colleagues. Especially, Shaq.

Kenny Smith’s only condition is to keep working

Unlike Barkley, ‘unfiltered’ is not Kenny’s brand. When Chuck went rogue in interviews, he even called him out. He was blindsided by Chuck’s retirement announcement. Then he played a little part in Barkley changing his mind telling him they’re already technically “retired” because they work on TV one day a week.

Yet we didn’t know what would be the Houston Rockets legend’s decision when the NBA leaves TNT after the 2025 season. He has, after all, been here longer than Shaq and Chuck. Recently, he told Houston news outlets that continuing is in the cards, as long as it’s with his best friends.

Kenny likened it to LeBron James’ The Decision several times to express they’d have to reveal if they’re staying or leaving TNT. He rightfully called it a “monumental” opportunity the Inside Guys have. They could be the most expensive free agents in sportscasting together, could command a higher salary, produce their own show, or rebrand under TNT.

Whatever it is, Kenny has indirectly declared he’s not doing it alone. He’s repeatedly emphasized ‘together’ meaning all four of them. In the absence of his formal Chuck-like statement, Kenny is dropping hints he’s going to stay at Turner and keep working in whatever incarnation Inside the NBA rebrands to.

He spoke to the Houston Chronicle before Barkley canceled retirement. When he spoke to USA Today after the fact, he sounded relieved and humorous. The Inside Guys and industry insiders also know that Ernie would stay at TNT if that option is available. He praised TNT’s work environment and the creative freedom they get which is a positive sign. Now, it all boils down to Shaq.

Could Shaq make or break TNT’s rebranding?

Like Kenny, Shaq too has stayed quiet on the entire situation. Sporadically, he assured fans that he trusted the Turner execs to resolve the situation. But, on the season finale of The Big Podcast, he showed he was still undecided. At least that’s what, “I don’t know what our future holds with this TNT thing,” sounds like.

Yes, the same sentimental reasons that kept Chuck and Ernie, and could retain Kenny, might make O’Neal stay too. But, fans and insiders can come up with more reasons for Big Diesel to leave than to stay. For one, his (reported) $10 million salary for 10 years is not his primary revenue source.

The multi-hyphenate is a media mogul in himself. He’s got production studios, a savvy investor, a licensing genius growing a national sandwich empire, a rising DJ with his own music festival, a reality star, a funny influencer, and the Reebok renaissance man. Moreover, he has his own ties to Amazon – from his admiration for Jeff Bezos’ business acumen to producing a show on Prime Video. What if they lure Shaq if they can’t get all four Inside Guys?

Both Chuck and Kenny have now said they’d not work with anyone new. It’s the OG band or nothing. Can they pull it off while one man is down? The possibility of Shaq walking away is giving fans anxiety that it could weaken Kenny’s resolve to stay. Chuck’s already committed but how long he stays also depends on how long Ernie goes.

We can’t read O’Neal’s mind. But, now a lot of TNT’s survival is hinging on him as much as on Chuck. Just end our misery already, Shaq!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.