Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden arrested in Houston

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested by police in Houston early Saturday morning. According to Harris County court records, at 3:41 a.m., police found an unholstered and clearly visible handgun in the seat of Harden's vehicle and subsequently took him into custody.

Harden was registered at 4:57 a.m. and temporarily released after posting $100 bail. According to the court clerk's office website, the arraignment is scheduled for June 22.

The Cavaliers stated in an official statement that they are aware of Harden's arrest and are currently in contact with Harden and his management team to gather information, but will not comment further at this time. Harden's spokesperson also declined to comment.

The 36-year-old Harden was traded to the Cavaliers in February of this year, and in the subsequent playoffs he averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 assists per game, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

This arrest comes at a crucial time in Harden's career. He could become a free agent at the end of this month, and he must decide by June 29 whether to exercise his $42 million player option (of which only $13.3 million is guaranteed salary).

Previously, it was widely expected that Harden would opt out of his contract and sign a long-term, multi-year extension with the Cavaliers. It remains unclear whether this legal dispute will affect his contract prospects.

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