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Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t believe Charles Barkley about retiring from ‘Inside the NBA’

Charles Barkley has repeatedly declared this will be his final season as a studio analyst on *Inside the NBA*, even suggesting he and Ernie Johnson would retire together. In interviews, Barkley framed his departure as a celebration after decades on the show, though he also hinted at the possibility of staying longer if asked.

However, skepticism has surfaced among his colleagues, with Shaquille O’Neal dismissing the retirement talk as part of Barkley’s strategic approach to negotiations. O’Neal, who joined Barkley on the show, jokingly questioned the timing of a farewell before clarifying he doesn’t believe the announcement is final, calling Barkley a master of marketing.

The debate over Barkley’s future adds intrigue as the show enters its next season, with speculation that his departure could hinge on contract discussions or a calculated move to leverage his legacy on the program.

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