Both have led teams to the finals, both fell short of the crown, both forced a trade.
The difference is, Monroe wanted more money, and would've stayed if the Bullets were willing to give him a big contract.
But Barkley didn't lack money, times have changed; NBA stars like Barkley could make money from endorsements, advertisements, and sneaker deals.
The contract Avia offered him was not much less than his player salary; today's NBA top stars no longer rely solely on player contracts.
What Barkley wanted was the championship; he longed to relive the taste of the finals, to return to the finals stage, and to provide a good living environment for his children.
This time Pollin learned from Monroe's lesson; he sent Charles Barkley to the Western Conference instead of keeping him in the East to avoid troubling himself.
But even with Barkley in the West with the Phoenix Suns, the war of words with the Bullets never ceased.
