Shaquille O’Neal is losing his calm. With the TNT show Inside the NBA moving to ESPN, the drama is not over. Both NBA pros turned analysts have yet to finalize their decisions. Chuck is concerned about the heavy workload and tight schedule that most ESPN employees have. “I haven’t decided yet,” he said about the TNT and ESPN deal. Meanwhile, Shaquille O’Neal’s contract with TNT is dangling, with only five months remaining. And just now, he added more tension.

In the latest segment of the show, O’Neal didn’t hesitate to predict the future. After running for their traditional race to the board, O’Neal was so exhausted that he said, “In the words of Marshawn Lynch I’m tired as s— America.” “We getting fired anyway Ernie!” O’Neal said on TNT Inside the NBA.  Well, he can’t get fired. The possibility is him walking out of TNT. Just like Chuck had once hinted.

Even the Inside the NBA crew is well aware of how much fans enjoy watching them race to the board—sometimes even more than their basketball analysis. While it could be just another of Shaq’s pranks or jokes, the statement shifts the focus to O’Neal’s contract situation. O’Neal’s contract ends soon, on July 1, 2025, and it’s unknown whether he has signed an extension deal with the company. He has yet to share more about his decision to join other networks.

Big Aristotle’s deal is a bit different from the rest of the cast. Ernie Johnson, Barkley, and even Kenny “The Jet” Smith have different roles and games to cover for the network. But O’Neal’s role in the company is limited to the NBA, and the tenure is also much shorter than the others.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal‘s latest comment also hinted that it is probably too soon to determine whether the cast will remain together. SI’s Jimmy Traina shared, “While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there has been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is currently not under contract to be with the company next season. (reportedly)”

TNT had sued the NBA over their refusal to accept their deal, despite offering the same value as one of the packages in its new 11-year media rights deal. And clearly, Inside the NBA was also at risk. But after the new deal and agreement, much to fans’ relief, the show will continue under ESPN, as mentioned before. But will the panel remain the same? It’s the cast, after all, that makes up the show.

Charles Barkley shows awe-inspiring loyalty and bond with Turner Sports 

The Phoenix Suns legend had initially considered deals from other companies as well. The Philadelphia 76ers legend was uncertain because ESPN has yet to give him a proper schedule to work with. He is used to having a proper schedule, thanks to the work system at TNT. However, he is concerned about the workload since he is already 61 years old.

Charles Barkley even had meetings with Amazon. However, in the end, he decided that he would not accept offers from other companies. “I want to thank NBC, especially Mark Lazarus and Greg Hugh, who offered me a contract. I want to thank the guys and Amazon y’all been amazing. But my heart is always and will be at Turner Sports,” Barkley said on The Steam Room podcast. 

He strongly desires to stay with Turner Sports where he worked for more than 2 decades. And he hopes that things work out for him and the deal with ESPN. He has even refused deals worth $100 million just so he could with TNT. He further added, “I’m hoping that this thing comes together and I can stay with TNT and ESPN but as I’ve said, it’s all going to be dictated on my workload. I’m not going to work more as I get older.”

While it’s yet to be confirmed, we know where Barkley wishes to head. It seems we have to wait until the 2025-2026 NBA season to begin to find out about the confirmed cast.