Report: NBA Rewards Employees With Surprise Bonus

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – At the end of one of the most tumultuous seasons in NBA history, league employees will enter the offseason with a little extra cash in their pockets. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, league employees were informed they would receive a $1,000 bonus and four extra days off beginning the end of October.

“In recognition of efforts during a historic season, NBA commissioner Adam Silver informed league employees in “Thank You” letter that they are all receiving a $1,000 bonus and four Fridays off beginning Oct. 30 as well as Thanksgiving week,” Charania tweeted.

In recognition of efforts during a historic season, NBA commissioner Adam Silver informed league employees in “Thank You” letter that they are all receiving a $1,000 bonus and four Fridays off beginning Oct. 30 as well as Thanksgiving week.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 12, 2020

Though the NBA restart lasted just three-and-a-half months after a four-and-a-half month hiatus, many employees worked through the coronavirus pandemic leading to the longest season in league history.

In June, the NBA laid off roughly 100 employees before resuming its season in Orlando. According to Alex Silverman of the Morning Consult, the layoffs were not related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Russell Westbrook’s Big Tip

While the league was handing out surprise bonuses to NBA employees, Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook left a generous surprise for the service staff at the Disney Hotel where he stayed during the Rockets playoff run.

According to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, Westbrook left an $8,000 tip to the hotel staff upon Houston’s exit.

Only @russwest44 would be able to truly confirm this, and I doubt he will, but I'm told that he left a $8,000 tip for the Grand Floridian housekeepers when the @HoustonRockets left the NBA bubble.

Moreover, I'm told, he left the room virtually spotless.

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) October 6, 2020

“They took the time and energy to do their job at a high level,” Westbrook told Bleacher Report. “That was the right thing. I like to do the right thing.”

During Sunday night’s game six Finals clinching victory for the Los Angeles Lakers, broadcaster and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy suggested the Lakers donate a full share of a player’s playoffs bonus to the hotel staff upon leaving the bubble. No additional tips have been reported.