Charles Barkley and his legendary run on Inside the NBA could be coming to an end after this season.Barkley revealed that he and longtime host Ernie Johnson agreed to remain with the show for two more years following its move from TNT to ESPN, meaning the upcoming season could be their last together.The 63-year-old made his plans clear during an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast.Me and Ernie are a package deal, Barkley said. Ernie said to me, Chuck, would you please stay for two more years? I said, I love you, man. Youre the best. Ill stay for two more years. So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent. If he says hes done, Im gone.Barkley had originally planned to retire when he turned 60 before agreeing to continue for another two years. His plans were then thrown into uncertainty when TNT lost its NBA media rights and the future of Inside the NBA became unclear.Johnson eventually approached Barkley after a deal was reached to bring the iconic show to ESPN.Keeping the shows production crew employed was also a major reason Barkley and Johnson agreed to continue.Barkley has already thought about who could eventually replace him, revealing Jamal Crawford and Jalen Rose were part of his succession plan when he originally intended to retire at 60.The Hall of Famer also explained why he has deliberately avoided appearing across ESPNs other programming since the NBA season ended.The last thing you wanna be is on every show, Barkley said. I dont want people to start getting sick of my face. Im very strategic.Barkley also revealed he held discussions with NBC and Amazon after TNT lost its NBA rights, with NBC offering him a deal that he ultimately turned down.Barkley joined Inside the NBA in 2000 and has spent more than 25 years alongside Johnson, Kenny Smith and later Shaquille ONeal.Now, unless Johnson changes his mind, one of basketball televisions most recognizable partnerships appears to have just one season left.READ MORE: Joel Embiids Work Ethic Called Into Question
