James Harden, the former Houston Rockets star now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was arrested early Saturday morning in downtown Houston and released after posting bond on a misdemeanor weapons charge.
According to Harris County court records, Harden was taken into custody at 3:41 a.m. after a handgun was allegedly found in plain view inside a vehicle he owned. The weapon was not holstered.
The incident unfolded as Mr. Harden, 36, was driving a Mercedes sedan through downtown Houston shortly before 4 a.m. as part of a convoy of five vehicles. When police stopped one of the other cars near 1600 Jefferson Street, Harden pulled up behind, at which point an officer allegedly observed a handgun in the vehicle’s cup holder, according to court records reported by the Houston Chronicle. Court documents state that Harden told officers the firearm was his.
The Harris County District Clerk’s Office charged Harden with unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was booked at 4:57 a.m. and released after posting a $100 bond. A court date is set for June 22.
As a condition of his bond, Harden is barred from possessing any firearms, ammunition, or other weapons, and from using or consuming any alcohol, controlled substance, or marijuana unless prescribed by a physician. He must also submit to random urinalysis, according to TMZ.
Cleveland Cavaliers officials said they were gathering facts before making an official statement.
Harden joined Cleveland at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. In 26 regular-season games with the Cavaliers, he averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. Cleveland was swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals last month.
Harden holds a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season, with a decision deadline of June 29. He had been widely expected to opt out and sign a new multiyear deal to remain in Cleveland.
Harden spent nine seasons with the Houston Rockets from 2012 to 2021, earning the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 2018. He has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers during his 17-year career.
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