NBA star James Harden arrested in Houston for illegal possession of a handgun in his car
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard was taken into custody early Saturday after police found a firearm lying openly in his vehicle. He was released on $100 bail and faces a court date on 22 June.
Arrest early Saturday
James Harden was stopped by police in Houston, Texas, at 3:41 a.m. on Saturday after a handgun was discovered inside his vehicle. The 11-time All-Star, who joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in February, confirmed the firearm was his and that it was not concealed. Multiple US media reports, citing law enforcement sources, state the weapon was visible inside the car and not secured in a holster as required by regulation.
- Police stop Harden's vehicle, find a handgun lying openly inside.
- Harden is released on $100 bond.
- Court appearance scheduled.
Firearm not concealed
According to authorities, the pistol lay openly in the passenger compartment rather than in a proper holster, which constitutes a violation of Texas weapons laws. Harden was taken into custody but later released on a bond set at $100. The incident is classified as a minor offence.
Team statement
In a statement issued shortly after news of the arrest broke, the Cavaliers organisation said it was aware of the situation and is gathering information:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering more information. We are in contact with James and his representatives and will continue to monitor the situation as new details become available. At this time we have no further comment.
Harden himself has not yet publicly addressed the incident.
Court appearance and possible NBA consequences
Harden must appear before a Texas court on 22 June. In addition to any legal penalties, the NBA maintains strict internal policies regarding player conduct involving firearms, which could bring separate disciplinary action. While the criminal charge is minor, the league may review the matter independently.
Career and recent season
The 37-year-old guard was drafted third overall by Oklahoma City in 2009. His most decorated years came with the Houston Rockets, where he was named league MVP in 2018. Harden later played for Brooklyn, Philadelphia and the LA Clippers before signing with Cleveland in February 2026. He averaged 19.2 points per game during the Cavaliers’ run to the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks.
