Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley's Relationship Gets Sad Update
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley helped define an era of NBA basketball, each in their own unique ways. Jordan was the all-encompassing superstar who transcended the sport through star power. Barkley was also an excellent player, but he made just as many headlines for controversial comments or actions.
They appeared to be very different people on the surface, but they found a way to bond and develop a friendship despite their differences. Jordan and Barkley were close with each other throughout their NBA careers, and into the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
The following summer, they would face off in the NBA Finals. Barkley led his Phoenix Suns to the championship round after an MVP season, but they were unable to prevent Jordan and the Chicago Bulls from winning a third straight championship.
Despite a friendship that extends into multiple decades, Jordan and Barkley haven't spoken to one another in years. The root of the issue seems to be Barkley's criticism of Jordan's leadership of the Charlotte Hornets.
During a recent podcast appearance, a mutual friend of both former players explained how fractured the relationship has become.
ESPN's Michael Wilbon said on "Pablo Torre Finds Out" that he has attempted to mend fences between the two basketball legends, but that it's easier said than done.
“How have you not brokered the peace between Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley yet? How has that not been your job? How have you not succeeded at that yet?," Torre asked Wilbon.
.@PabloTorre: "How have you not brokered the peace between Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley yet?"@realMikeWilbon: "Pablo, it has been my job. It has been my assigned job." pic.twitter.com/UF8sSgI3YE
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) July 18, 2025
“That has been my job,” Wilbon said. “And that’s all I will say about it. That has been my job.”
Dan Le Batard added that a documentary about their friendship is worth producing, especially after the success of "The Last Dance."
“That [documentary] will sell because that friendship used to be a very special friendship. And it doesn’t seem to be anymore," Le Batard said.
Wilbon stressed that it's been his "assigned job" to bring the two of them together, but that it's proven to be more difficult than he may have anticipated.
We'll see if Barkley and Jordan can find a way to mend their relationship after years of a layer of ice between them.