Cavaliers guard James Harden charged with weapon offence in Houston

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has been arrested and charged with a misdemeanour weapons offence after an unholstered handgun was found in his car in Houston early on Saturday.

According to Harris County court records, the 36-year-old was taken into custody at 03:41 local time.

Law enforcement officers observed the firearm in plain view on the seat of a vehicle owned by the basketball star.

He was officially booked just under an hour later before being released on a $100 (£79) bond.

Representatives and team remain silent

Neither the player’s representatives nor the Cleveland franchise have issued an official statement regarding the overnight incident.

Cavaliers officials are currently gathering facts before making any public comment on the legal situation.

Crucial contract decision looms

This off-court distraction arrives at a pivotal juncture in the veteran playmaker’s career.

He holds a $42m (£33m) player option for next season, of which only $13.3m is fully guaranteed, with a final decision required by 29 June.

It was widely anticipated that the guard would opt out of his current agreement to negotiate a lucrative multi-year extension in Ohio.

Having arrived in Cleveland via a mid-season trade in February, his presence proved transformative for the team’s postseason ambitions.

The seasoned professional averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 assists during the playoffs, acting as an instrumental figure in helping the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference finals.