James Harden Taken Into Custody In Houston After Police Find Gun
Houston authorities arrested Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden early Saturday morning following a downtown traffic stop that resulted in a misdemeanor gun charge.
According to Harris County District Clerk records, officers pulled over a Mercedes sedan driven by Harden at 1800 Crawford Street around 3:40 a.m. During the interaction, police observed an unholstered handgun sitting in plain view inside a cup holder. The 36-year-old guard confirmed ownership of the firearm, identified himself to law enforcement, and was taken into custody.
Harden was booked into the Harris County Jail at 4:57 a.m. and subsequently released after posting a $100 bond. Court documents note that the conditions of his release include an immediate restriction on possessing any firearms, weapons, or ammunition. Furthermore, he is barred from using alcohol, marijuana, or unprescribed controlled substances, and he is required to undergo random drug testing. Harden, who is listed as a local resident in the filings, has an arraignment scheduled for June 22.
The Cleveland organization acknowledged the matter on Saturday afternoon through a formal team statement.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information," the statement read. "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."
Legal and management representatives for Harden have not offered public statements regarding the arrest.
The timing of the incident adds a layer of complexity to Harden's upcoming offseason schedule. He has until June 29 to decide on a $42.3 million player option, which currently carries a $13.3 million partial guarantee. Prior to the weekend, industry expectations pointed toward the 11-time All-Star declining the option to secure a longer multiyear agreement to stay in Cleveland. The franchise acquired him via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in February. Harden averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 assists per game during the postseason before the Cavaliers were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.