Charles Barkley got fat because Rockets paid him less than promised

After spending eight seasons with the Sixers and four with the Suns, Charles Barkley was traded to the Rockets in 1996. It was in his final year with Houston that Barkley’s weight increased, and it was intentional according to the Hall of Famer.

Barkley recently appeared on Bill Simmons’ “Any Given Wednesday” show on HBO. At that time he discussed an agreement for him to take less money so the Rockets could bring in Scottie Pippen. Unfortunately for Barkley, Houston did not follow through with the agreed upon contract amount for the following season.

“I was so pissed. What had happened was I took a paycut so we could sign Scottie Pippen,” Barkley said, as transcribed by Sporting News. “So they said, ‘We need you to take a paycut so we can sign Scottie.’ I said, ‘OK, I would love to play with Scottie.’ They said, ‘We’ll give you $12 million next year.’ So when I showed up the next year, they bring me a contract. I said, ‘This looks like an 8.’ They said, ‘Yeah, we’re going to give you $8 million.’ I said, ‘What about the other $4 million?’ They’re like, ‘Well, we just changed our mind.’ So I wasn’t motivated.”

That has to be one of the most Charles Barkley stories ever, and one that’s absolutely believable. During his career, Barkley gained the “Round Mound of Rebound” nickname because of his physical stature and ability to grab rebounds. During the 1999-2000 season, there was obviously a little extra on the mound.

Barkley played in 20 games and averaged 14.5 points 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in his last year with the Rockets.

H/T Sporting News