HOUSTON — Former Arizona State standout and NBA star James Harden was arrested early Saturday morning on a misdemeanor weapons charge.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!James Harden was arrested and charged with carrying an unlawful weapon in Houston on Saturday, per the Harris County District Clerk’s Office.
Harden was held on a $100 bond which was posted on Saturday, and the next setting will be held on June 22 for a decision on further steps… pic.twitter.com/Ucg0qkQPrQ
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Jan 4, 2009; Berkeley, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard James Harden (13) tries to avoid a hand to the face by a California Golden Bears defender during the first half at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears defeated the Sun Devils 81-71. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
According to TMZ, the arrest happened in Houston, where police said Harden was stopped while driving downtown around 3:40 a.m. Officers allegedly observed a handgun in plain view inside his vehicle. Harden was taken into custody and later released on bond.
A court appearance is scheduled for June 22.
The arrest is notable for Arizona State fans because Harden remains one of the most accomplished players in Sun Devil basketball history. The 36-year-old recently completed a season with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers, but his legacy in Tempe continues to resonate more than a decade after his collegiate career ended.
Nov 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) is defended by Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Despite spending only two seasons at ASU, Harden helped elevate the program’s national profile before becoming the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. He later developed into one of the NBA’s premier players, earning league MVP honors and multiple All-Star selections.
Harden’s success at both ASU and the NBA has made him one of the university’s most prominent athletic alumni. His accomplishments have frequently been highlighted by the school and remain a source of pride for many Sun Devil supporters.
Nov 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) gets past the defense of Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) for a basket during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
While the charge is a misdemeanor and the legal process remains in its early stages, the case is likely to draw attention among Arizona State fans because of Harden’s ties to the university and his status as one of the most successful players ever to wear the maroon and gold.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
