Cleveland Cavaliers player James Harden was arrested on Saturday in Houston on a misdemeanour charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle, according to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office.
Harden was arrested at 3:41 a.m. and booked just before 5 a.m., then posted $100 bond and was released from police custody, according to charging documents, which said he had a handgun in plain view that was not in a holster.
His arraignment is scheduled for June 22, according to the clerk’s office website. Harden is listed as a Houston resident in court documents.
“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 favour of a longer contract with the Cavaliers.
Harden is an 11-time all-star and an eight-time All-NBA selection who earned MVP honours in the 2017-18 season while playing for the Houston Rockets.
