NBA All-Star James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers was taken into custody in Houston early Saturday morning on a misdemeanor firearms charge and later released from jail.
The 36-year-old basketball player was part of a five-person group traveling through Houston’s downtown area when police conducted a traffic stop around 3:40 a.m. According to court documents, when Harden pulled up behind another car, a police officer observed a firearm in the cup holder of his Mercedes vehicle.
Court records show that Harden acknowledged ownership of the weapon and was subsequently taken into custody and processed at Harris County Jail.
The player posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 22.
The veteran guard, who has earned six first-team All-NBA honors and captured the 2017-18 league MVP award, is currently playing for his sixth NBA franchise. Cleveland obtained his services on February 4 through a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, sending guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft selection in return.
During his 26 appearances with Cleveland this season, all as a starter, he posted averages of 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
His overall statistics for the current campaign include 23.6 points, 8.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds across 70 games, starting in each contest.
Throughout his 17-year professional career spanning 1,221 games with 1,007 starts, he maintains career averages of 24.0 points, 7.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds.
After being selected third overall in the 2009 NBA draft, Harden has suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers and Cavaliers during his professional tenure.
