It's probably just a check to make sure Scalley sticks around and doesn't entertain other offers and — more likely, to ensure that the deal that Scalley had with Chris Hill also applies to Harlan. Harlan doesn't get along with Whit as well as Hill did, so this is just Whit cashing in a favor while he has the influence he has.

I think you are reading into it too much. Whit might retire at the end of the year, but that's been an accurate statement for like 4-5 years now.