Barkley Criticizes Jordan, Pelicans Re-sign Matt Ryan

Charles Barkley has labeled Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as extremely frugal, recounting anecdotes about Jordan's reluctance to give money to homeless people. Barkley and Jordan, once close friends, have not spoken in years due to a fallout over Barkley's criticism of Jordan's management of the Charlotte Bobcats. Meanwhile, the NBA's new TV deals with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime promise a significant salary cap increase, impacting team strategies for the 2025 offseason. The New Orleans Pelicans, despite a first-round playoff exit, are optimistic with players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and have re-signed sharpshooter Matt Ryan after briefly waiving him. Ingram, who was expected to be traded, remains with the team, raising questions about a potential long-term extension or a trade deadline move.