NBA star James Harden arrested and charged 'with unlawful carrying of a weapon'

NBA star James Harden was taken into custody by Houston police in the early hours of Saturday morning, facing a misdemeanor charge for unlawfully carrying a weapon.

According to Harris County court records, officers detained the 36-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers guard at 3:41 a.m. after discovering a handgun in plain view inside his vehicle that was not stored in a holster.

The former league MVP acknowledged the firearm belonged to him before being formally processed at 4:57 a.m.

Harden was subsequently freed after posting a $100 bond, with court documents listing him as a Houston resident.

The conditions of Harden's release bar him from possessing any firearms, ammunition or other weapons.

He is additionally forbidden from consuming alcohol, controlled substances or marijuana unless prescribed by a medical professional, and must undergo random drug testing.

The 11-time All-Star is due to appear before a court on 22 June for his arraignment.

Reports from the New York Post indicate that Harden had been socialising at a Houston hookah lounge with a sizeable group of companions in the hours preceding his detention.

The city holds particular significance for the guard, who spent nine seasons playing for the Rockets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers issued a statement confirming they were aware of their player's arrest.

"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.

"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."

The franchise acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers at the February trade deadline, sending Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick in the opposite direction.

During his tenure with the Rockets from 2012 to 2021, Harden earned All-Star recognition annually and claimed the league's Most Valuable Player award for the 2017/18 campaign. He has since had spells with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers.

Following his mid-season move to Cleveland, Harden contributed 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game across 26 regular season appearances.

The Cavaliers secured the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference before overcoming Toronto and Detroit in hard-fought seven-game series. Their postseason journey concluded with a 4-0 defeat to the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals.

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