Hartsock: How much money could Luke Kennard make as No. 12 pick?

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Luke Kennard walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Luke Kennard walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Remember when the first move by an NBA first round draft pick was to hold out for more money in a contract? That’s something that rarely happens any more thanks to a rookie salary scale that’s been part of the league’s collective bargaining agreement since 2011.

For example, Luke Kennard is set to cash in up in Detroit, and the former Franklin star already knows the digits and the dollar signs that will be on his paycheck.

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Kennard was drafted with the 12th overall pick Thursday night and according to the Forbes.com , he is projected to earn just over $6 million in the first two years of a four-year contract.

The third and fourth seasons are both team option years and if those are picked up, Kennard’s rookie contract would total $13.6 million. All of those totals are pre-determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement — negotiated by the league and player’s union.

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It's also interesting to note that according to Forbes.com , player's agents generally do not receive a commission on rookie contracts. They do make commission on marketing deals and hope the player does well enough so they cash in on a second contract.

The folks in Franklin already know playing for pay will not change Kennard. During his first news conference in Detroit on Friday, he joked about the Pistons box office being helped by ticket sales from his hometown.

“I love Franklin,” Kennard said. “I’m excited to get back there the next day and see my friends. It’s a special place that kept me grounded and humbled throughout this entire journey. It’s a real special place.”

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