James Harden arrested in Houston on weapons charge

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested early Saturday morning in Houston on a misdemeanor weapons charge and released on bond later the same day. The 36-year-old NBA All-Star was taken into custody by Houston police at approximately 3:41 a.m. after officers allegedly spotted an unholstered handgun in plain view inside his vehicle during a traffic stop.

According to court records, Harden confirmed the firearm was his. He was booked on one count of unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor in Texas that carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. He was released after posting bond and is scheduled for arraignment on June 22.

Sources indicated Harden had been at a Houston hookah lounge with a group of friends prior to the arrest. The incident marks his first known criminal charge, though he has been involved in previous civil legal matters. The NBA has not yet commented on whether it will open a conduct investigation.

The arrest comes at a pivotal time for Harden’s career. He holds a $42.3 million player option for the next season, and multiple reports had suggested he was leaning toward opting out to negotiate a new multi-year...