He didn't resign and walk away from the money - they arrived at some buyout type deal so that he can take a job next year if he wants. That's why it took a full month from the end of the season for it to be announced. Otherwise he could have quit on the plane, Dantoni style But like others said, many factors (pandemic, been here for 13 years, and working for the new regime) were probably worth more than the marginal value of remaining money to DM.
Come on. Be realistic. I guess no experience with the boss from Hell. Of course Morey will be a hot commodity if he wants to return to being an NBA GM. Realistically two kids on a gap year at home means something.
Morey got Hush money to leave quietly. I have some news about the tooth fairy and santa clause if you don't realize this one the plan since last year.
Then Tilman said to himself: "I'm gonna give Rafael 1M/yr. Save more money than that Morey idiot thinks."
Some people in China are saying that the Chinese government was willing to resume all business relations with the NBA and the Rockets if Morey was gone. From a business standpoint the China market is worth a whole lot more then whatever Tilman has to pay Morey to go away. I don't It's not a big stretch there's some sort of buyout agreement where Morey gets most of his money if he says he is resigning for family reasons and stays quiet.