James Harden is facing a misdemeanor gun charge after being arrested early Saturday morning in Houston.
According to court records cited by the Houston Chronicle, Harden was driving a Mercedes near downtown Houston around 3:40 a.m. when police saw a gun in the cup holder. Harden reportedly told officers the weapon was his and was booked into Harris County Jail before being released on bond. His court date is set for June 22.
For the Cavaliers, this is the last thing they needed after their season ended in disappointment against the Knicks. Cleveland already had major offseason questions, and now one of its biggest names is tied to an off-court legal issue.
Harden, 36, remains one of the most accomplished guards of his generation, but this situation brings unnecessary attention at a time when the Cavs should be focused on roster decisions, free agency and figuring out how to get over the hump in the East.
The charge is a misdemeanor, but the headline is still damaging. Cleveland’s offseason just got a lot messier.
