The chatter in the TNT hallways probably centers around what’s next. If the NBA is going to NBC, the biggest question is what happens to Inside the NBA. Shaquille O’Neal only recently addressed it. Charles Barkley has brought it up a few more times. Ernie Johnson has kept it vague. Kenny “The Jet” Smith is keeping his thoughts to himself. Collectively, it has only raised speculation about their future. If the Inside Guys move on to a new network, a big governing factor would be their current contracts.

The quartet signed contract extensions in 2022 that are valid through the expiring NBA media rights deal in 2025. They, however, accounted for that with contingencies.

Shaquille O’Neal took a pay cut

Shaquille O’Neal revealed on The Big Podcast that’s also under the TNT umbrella that Turner was not in the cards when he retired from the NBA in 2011. Then a few months of boredom changed his mind and he took Reggie Miller’s spot on Inside the NBA the same year. He signed a 10-year contract extension in 2022, details of which were kept on the down-low. He reportedly earns a salary of $10 million every season which adds to the $292 million in total NBA salaries and $200 million in endorsements.

Shaq reportedly included a clause that would allow him to opt-out anytime before it is up. If it was connected to the NBA possibly leaving TNT, we’ll never know. Previously, Shaq said he was glad to have a job. Which explained his concerns lately. When asked if he’d consider going to another network, Shaq said he’s not thinking about that. But he says it would be a “travesty” if the show ends.

Charles Barkley’s very worried

Chuck’s been around longer than Shaq. Since 2000, in fact, when he retired. Besides Inside the NBA, his bracelet story inspired the spinoff, The Steam Room with Ernie, which aired its season 5 finale this week. Except for Shaq, Chuck also hits the road for the NCAA Tournament with Ernie and Kenny. Occasionally he’ll wear the headset to call games as he did at the 2024 All-Star Game. He’s also involved in the golf coverage with Ernie, like his appearances at The Match.

His multi-faceted TNT responsibilities make him more than his $40 million NBA earnings. His 2022 contract extension is said to be worth between $100 to $200 million. Though valid for 10 years, Chuck recently admitted he included a ‘free agency’ clause. He said he was toying with retirement before the NBA media rights are up, which he says has filled the network with uncertainty. But he’d consider another network not for higher pay but only if it’s all four of them. That may be a problem due to one reason.

Ernie Johnson would stay at TNT

Inside the NBA began in 1990 with Ernie Johnson as the host when Shaq started his LSU career and Chuck and Kenny were in their prime. The Godfather has been through a rotation of co-hosts while collecting Emmy Awards and earning a spot in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He’s pretty much the glue, not only balancing all of TNT’s basketball coverage but also involved in MLB and golf coverage. His salary is reportedly $5 million annually for all his myriad jobs.

When he committed to a long-term contract in 2022, he expressed his intent to stay at TNT for as long as it takes. Chuck reiterated that it’s unlikely Ernie would leave or retire anytime soon. This adds another layer to Ernie’s message to The Steam Room team as if they won’t be meeting next season. This again raises the question of what happens to the show. The original quartets either continue on a new network without Ernie and he continues Inside the NBA with new analysts or the show ends as it were. There’s also the possibility of Inside the NBA reformatting with the original guys.

Kenny Smith pleads the fifth

2x NBA champion, Smith’s NBA earnings total around $11.9 million. His job at TNT pays him more, an estimated $16 million annually. A decent price for starting the most popular halftime segment, Race to the Board. The Jet hasn’t been as fast in his old age but he’s created iconic moments. Living in the moment might be Kenny’s style.

He’s the only one who’s yet to make even the vaguest comment on NBA on TNT’s future. He could have a contingency plan, or he might stay or leave. Needless to say, there will be some decisions in order for Kenny and everyone else when the NBA officially announces its decision.