In a segment on TNT's Inside the NBA last night, Charles Barkley told a story about trying to convince the Portland Trail Blazers to trade for him.

Barkley claims he flew to Portland on his own dime during his playing days to meet with the Blazers - though he declined to name the GM who he spoke with - to discuss joining the franchise.

"One summer I flew to Portland on my own dime - The Portland Trail Blazers owe me $1,197," Barkley joked before continuing his story. "I said, 'y'all got a good team, but y'all can't play in the half court. You're not gonna win a championship without me.'"

The pair met for over three hours talking about a trade, Barkley claims. They discussed how they could build a team around Barkley before he left the Rose City, including which players he needed to keep on the roster and which players the Blazers could do without. The Blazers seemed receptive and Barkley was told by the Blazers brass they would be getting back to him. The next day, Barkley got a phone call from the Blazers in which they told him they would not be trading for him.

"I was pissed," said Barkley.

Here's a look at Barkley's full comments: