A misdemeanor gun charge against NBA player James Harden has been dismissed in Texas. The charge, for unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle, stemmed from an arrest in Houston in June.
Harden was taken into custody and later released after posting a $100 bond. According to court documents, police found a handgun in his vehicle that was in plain view and not in a holster. Texas law classifies this as a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Nearly seven weeks after his arraignment, Harris County Criminal Court Judge Alex Salgado dismissed the charge on Thursday. The dismissal came at the request of the district attorney's office, following Harden's completion of an alternative resolution program. Such programs typically allow defendants to avoid a criminal conviction by fulfilling specific requirements, which may include community service, though the exact terms of Harden's agreement were not detailed in court documents.
Harden, 36, recently concluded his 17th NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 23.6 points per game during the regular season, playing in 70 of 82 games. He has expressed a desire to remain with the Cavaliers but declined a $42.3 million option for the upcoming season, seeking a longer contract. No deal has been finalized as of this report.
A highly decorated player, Harden is an 11-time All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA selection. He earned MVP honors in the 2017-18 season while playing for the Houston Rockets. His career has also included stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to Cleveland.