CLEVELAND — He's only played eight games as a member of the Cavaliers, but Andre Drummond is already coming forward to help Northeast Ohio.
The 26-year-old center has donated $160,000 to coronavirus relief efforts, including $60,000 for the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse staff. Another $100,000 will go to the Middlesex Health system, which is located in Drummond's home state of Connecticut.
A two-time All-Star and four-time NBA leading rebounder for the Detroit Pistons, Drummond came to the Cavs at the most recent trade deadline in exchange for Brandon Knight, John Henson, and a 2023 second round draft pick. He averaged 17.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for Cleveland before the league suspended play due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite changing teams, Drummond's heart remains close to Michigan, and he will also partner with JBL to provide 10,000 headphones to students in Greater Detroit as well as Greater Cleveland. The technology will help children who have been forced to go to remote learning as a result of the outbreak.
Drummond is one of several Cavs who have pledged financial support for the community: All-Star Kevin Love donated $100,000 through his foundation to help arena employees with any mental health issues, and Akron native Larry Nance Jr. gave $50,000 each to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The team has also come up with a compensation plan for employees as if games were still happening.
