HOUSTON, TX (AZFamily/AP) — Former Arizona State University basketball star James Harden was arrested Saturday morning in Houston on a misdemeanor weapon charge, according to records from the Harris County District Clerk’s Office.
Charging documents show Harden was arrested shortly after 3:30 a.m. on a charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle. The documents say a handgun was found in plain view and was not in a holster.
Harden was booked, posted a $100 bond and was released from custody, according to court records. His arraignment is scheduled for June 22. Court documents list Harden as a Houston resident.
Harden’s rise to fame followed his time playing for Arizona State University from 2007 to 2009 before joining the NBA. He was drafted third overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft.
He has played for the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers and currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
FILE – Cleveland Cavaliers’ James Harden during the first half of Game 2 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks, May 21, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)(Frank Franklin II | AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
“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 in a statement. “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.”
A message sent to Harden’s representatives from The Associated Press seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Harden, 36, just finished his 17th NBA season and has the right to exercise a $42.3 million option to return to the Cavaliers next season. He indicated when Cleveland’s playoff run ended with a loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals that he would like to remain with the club, which would suggest he’s willing to forgo the option in favor of a longer contract with the Cavaliers.
Harden is an 11-time All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA selection who earned MVP honors in the 2017-18 season while playing for the Houston Rockets.
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