Sovran Star

National Basketball Association player James Edward Willis Harden Jr., 36, was arrested in Houston, Texas, United States on June 13, 2026. He was charged with misdemeanor unlawful carrying of a weapon. 

James Harden’s arrest in Houston

That day, Houston Police Department officers pulled Harden over at 1800 Crawford Street in Houston for a traffic violation. They found an unholstered handgun sitting in plain view on the seat of a Mercedes registered to him.

The NBA player acknowledged to them that he was the owner of the firearm. At 3:41 a.m., the officers took him into custody.

At 4:57, Harden was booked into the Houston County Jail in Crockett, Texas. He was later released on a $100 bond.

As part of the bond conditions, Harden is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition or other weapons while his case is pending. He is also not allowed to use, possess or consume any alcohol, controlled substance, dangerous drug, or marijuana unless prescribed by a doctor.

Moreover, Harden is required to submit to random urinalysis. On June 22, 2026, he will be arraigned.

James Harden’s NBA career

Born in Compton, California, USA to James Harden Sr. and Monja Willis, James Jr. attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. Arniq Jelks and Akili Roberson are James Jr.’s half-siblings.

From 2007 to 2009, James Jr. played basketball at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, USA. In 2009, he made his NBA debut by joining the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James Jr. played for the Houston Rockets from 2012 to 2021, the Brooklyn Nets from 2021 to 2022 and the Philadelphia 76ers from 2022 to 2023. On November 1, 2023, he was acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers.

On July 10, 2024, James Jr. signed again with the Los Angeles Clippers on a $70 million contract for two more years and on June 29, 2025, he signed again with the team on a $81.5 million contract for two more years. On August 26, 2025, he turned 36.

On February 4, 2026, James Jr. was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland. A native of Gary, Indiana, USA, the latter turned 26 on January 26, 2026.