Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is making headlines for reasons unrelated to basketball.
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According to TMZ Sports, Harden was arrested early Saturday morning in Texas and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon after authorities allegedly found a handgun inside his vehicle.
TMZ reported that the firearm was in plain sight and was not being carried in a holster. The charge is a misdemeanor.
Harden was later released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court June 22.
According to the report, the conditions of Harden's bond prohibit him from possessing firearms, ammunition or other weapons. He is also prohibited from using or possessing alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances or dangerous drugs unless prescribed by a physician. TMZ added that Harden must submit to random urinalysis testing.
Neither Harden nor the Cavaliers immediately commented publicly on the matter. TMZ reported that it reached out to Harden's representatives but had not received a response.
The news arrives during what was already expected to be a pivotal offseason for the former NBA MVP.
Harden holds a $42.3 million player option for next season and is widely expected to make a decision on his future before free agency begins. After joining Cleveland in a February trade, Harden played a major role in helping the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018.
Following the season, Harden expressed a desire to remain with the organization.
"Definitely want to be here," Harden said after Cleveland's playoff run came to an end. "I think we found something."
The 11-time All-Star averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists during the regular season and 19.2 points and 5.5 assists during the playoffs.
Additional details surrounding the arrest were not immediately available.
