HOUSTON, Texas – A surprise development has shaken the basketball world, with 11-time NBA All-Star and 2018 league Most Valuable Player James Harden taken into custody earlier this Saturday in Houston on a misdemeanor count of unlawful weapon possession, according to official Harris County court documents reviewed by AFP.
Court records detail that the 37-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers starting guard was placed in custody at 3:41 a.m. local time after law enforcement officers spotted an unconcealed, unholstered handgun in plain view inside his Mercedes-Benz vehicle. When questioned, Harden confirmed the firearm belonged to him. He was processed into the county jail system before quickly being released after posting a $100 bond.
As part of his bond conditions, Harden has been barred from possessing any firearms, ammunition, or other deadly weapons while the case proceeds. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on the charge on June 22.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Harden’s current team, confirmed Saturday that they are aware of the arrest and have launched an internal process to gather full details on the incident. “We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available,” the franchise said in an official statement, adding that it would decline further comment pending additional information.
Harden joined the Cavaliers in February at this year’s NBA trade deadline, brought on board to bolster the team’s championship push ahead of the postseason. The veteran playmaker delivered solid playoff numbers for the squad, averaging 19.2 points and 5.5 assists per game to help Cleveland advance all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their run ended there, however, with a four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Knicks.
A product of the 2009 NBA Draft, Harden was selected third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, emerging as a superstar during his tenure with the Houston Rockets. Throughout his 16-year career, he has also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers, cementing his status as one of the most prolific scorers in modern NBA history.