Cleveland Cavaliers guard and former NBA MVP James Harden was arrested early Saturday morning in Houston and charged with misdemeanor unlawful carrying of a weapon after police discovered a handgun in a vehicle he owns.
According to Harris County court records, Harden was taken into custody at 3:41 a.m. after authorities observed an unholstered handgun sitting in plain view on the seat of a Mercedes registered to the 11-time NBA All-Star. Court documents state that Harden acknowledged ownership of the firearm.
The 36-year-old was booked into jail at 4:57 a.m. before being released on a $100 bond. His arraignment has been scheduled for June 22. As part of his bond conditions, Harden is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition or other weapons
pending the case.
In a statement, the Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed they are aware of the situation.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information,” the team said.
“We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment.”
Representatives for Harden declined to comment.
Free Agency Looming For Harden
The veteran guard is expected to become one of the notable names in free agency later this month. He holds a player option worth $42 million for next season, though only $13.3 million is guaranteed.
League insiders have long anticipated that Harden would decline the option and negotiate a new multi-year contract to remain in Cleveland.
Harden joined the Cavaliers at the trade deadline in February and played a key role in their postseason run. He averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 assists during the playoffs as Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference Finals before being swept by the New York Knicks.
One of the most decorated guards of his generation, Harden was selected third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft. He later became a superstar with the Houston Rockets, winning the NBA MVP award in 2018 and establishing himself as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. He has also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers.
(with multiple agencies’ inputs)
