More details emerge about Harden's arrest: He was taken into custody at 3:41 a.m. after gathering with friends at a hookah lounge.

On June 14 (Beijing time), the California Post and Houston Chronicle reported additional details regarding Harden's arrest. According to court records, the 36-year-old player was taken into custody by Houston police at 3:41 a.m. and charged with a misdemeanor for illegal firearm possession. He was released after posting a $100 bail on Saturday morning.

Harris County records show that Harden was charged with openly carrying a firearm in his car. He was driving a Mercedes sedan in downtown Houston early in the morning, accompanied by four other vehicles. After police stopped one of the cars at the 1600 block of Jefferson Street, Harden pulled over and parked behind them.

During the interaction, officers noticed a pistol in the cup holder of Harden's vehicle. Harden admitted the gun belonged to him and was subsequently arrested and taken to Harris County Jail. He was soon released on a standard bail order and is required to appear in court on June 22.

Sources disclose that Harden had been socializing with a group of friends at a local hookah lounge prior to his arrest.

The 16-year NBA veteran played for the Houston Rockets from 2012 to 2021, giving him deep ties to Houston. In February of this year, Harden was traded from the Clippers to the Cavaliers in a deal involving Garland. In his first season with Cleveland, he helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were eventually swept by the New York Knicks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers issued a statement in an interview with Fox 8 News of Nextar Media: "The Cavaliers are aware of James Harden's arrest this morning and are currently gathering more information. We have been in contact with Harden and his agent and will continue to monitor the situation. At this time, the team will not make any further comments."

Harden's restaurant in Houston has been involved in several legal disputes in recent years. At the end of May this year, the restaurant was sued by a local Houston chef over issues including unpaid wages and sewage cleanup.

In September last year, the former landlord of the restaurant sued the establishment and Harden, seeking more than $2.2 million in unpaid rent. Harden filed a counterclaim in April, accusing the landlord of breach of contract. The landlord then amended the complaint, adding allegations that the restaurant operated illegally, selling alcohol for over a year without a license from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The case is still pending.