James Harden charges, explained: Cavs star arrested with illegal weapon in Texas
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James Harden charges, explained: Cavs star arrested with illegal weapon in Texas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Early on Saturday morning, Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful carrying of a weapon in Houston, according to multiple reports.
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The guard was taken into custody around 3:41 a.m. and booked into Harris County Jail just over an hour later at 4:57 a.m. He has since been released on bond and has an upcoming court date.
Here's the latest on the Cleveland star's weapon arrest in The Lone Star State.
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James Harden charges, explained:
Around 3:40 a.m. early on Saturday morning, Harden was taken into custody in the Houston area after an officer observed a handgun in plain sight inside his vehicle. Harden had “unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly” carried the weapon, according to court documents.
Per the current Texas gun laws, "If a handgun is partially or wholly visible, it must be in a holster."
Harden was booked just over an hour later, at 4:57 a.m., and was later released after paying a $100 bond. His court date is currently scheduled for June 22, according to the clerk's office website.
Harden and his representatives have not commented on the situation thus far.
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Where was James Harden arrested
Harden was arrested in Houston early on Saturday morning, according to The Athletic.
The Cavalier was arrested at 3:41 a.m. and was booked in the Harris County Jail at 4:57 a.m. He has since been released on bond and has a scheduled court date on June 22.
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Will James Harden be suspended?
At the moment, it is unclear whether or not Harden will be suspended to begin the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. The Cavaliers are aware of the situation and have since released the following statement, with no further comment coming in the near future.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information," the Cavaliers said in a statement, according to ESPN. "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."
While the circumstances were a bit different, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was originally suspended for eight games for his first incident with a gun at a nightclub. Harden's gun was reportedly resting on a car seat unholstered, so he was not seen using it by officials.
Statement from the Cavs on the arrest of James Harden: pic.twitter.com/S5gQ6lWVe2
— Leah Doherty (@LeahDohertyTV) June 13, 2026
James Harden contract details
According to Spotrac, Harden is on the tail end of a two-year, $81.5 million contract originally signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
He will likely become a free agent at the end of June. He does still have a decision to make regarding his $42 million player option by June 29, but only $13.3 million of that is guaranteed. It has been expected that Harden will opt out of his current contract and sign a new multiyear deal to stay in Cleveland.
James Harden is expected to sign a multiyear deal with the Cavs this summer, no matter how this playoff run unfolds, per @WindhorstESPN. pic.twitter.com/7l0PZGw1dG
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 17, 2026