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James Harden is officially in the clear. A Harris County judge on Thursday dismissed the unlawful carrying of a weapon charge against the NBA star, ending a case that began with a traffic stop in Houston nearly two months ago. Sportsnaut reported on the arrest and the release of Harden’s mugshot at the time. Prosecutors had asked for the dismissal after Harden completed what they described as an “alternative resolution agreement.” The judge signed off, and just like that, the misdemeanor is gone. It will no doubt resurface the old, timeless question of whether or not you or I would get such a helpful agreement. It pays to be a famous athlete, it seems. NBA star James Harden's Texas gun case dismissed. https://t.co/xMiXGGlfpC pic.twitter.com/SiZwKYrPzp — TMZ (@TMZ) August 7, 2026 The arrest that started Harden’s problems Harden was arrested in June during a traffic stop. Houston police said officers found a handgun in his vehicle in plain view. ‘Twas not secured in a holster. Under Texas law, that can land you a misdemeanor charge for unlawful carry. Harden was booked, charged, and released on bond the same day. He never made a public statement about the arrest or the case that followed. The mugshot was something to behold. The photo, obtained by TMZ, shows Harden staring straight ahead with that signature blank, unimpressed expression. His trademark beard is neatly trimmed, but his eyes tell the story of a long night. And his braids are a bit disheveled. Kind of how he looks on the basketball court at all times during the playoffs. No drama, no intensity, just a man who clearly would rather be anywhere else than where he currently is. 🚨 James Harden's mug shot is revealed after his weapon arrest. https://t.co/F2mf0oCusb pic.twitter.com/jTWDwISDyD — TMZ (@TMZ) June 15, 2026 The exact terms of the alternative resolution agreement remain private. Those kinds of deals often involve community service, classes, or other conditions that, once finished, allow prosecutors to drop the charges rather than pursue a conviction. Whatever Harden had to do, he apparently finished it. The district attorney’s office filed the dismissal paperwork this week, and the court granted it without further proceedings. A judge finally had the Harden gun case dismissed The timing couldn’t be better for Harden. He’s currently a free agent after playing last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and reports have strongly suggested he’ll re-sign with the team on a multiyear deal. Having an open criminal case hanging over him heading into training camp and the new season would have been an unnecessary distraction. Now that issue is resolved. For a guy who’s been one of the NBA‘s most consistent performers, this marks an unusual off-court hiccup. Harden averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists last season after being traded mid-campaign from the Clippers to the Cavaliers. Cleveland made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the eventual champion Knicks. Harden, a former MVP and 11-time All-Star with deep roots in Houston from his Rockets glory days, has built a reputation as a low-key guy off the court despite his flashy playing style and that famous beard. Related: Feds Ready Superseding Bribery Charges Against NBA Star Terry Rozier in Gambling Probe Tap Here To Add Sportsnaut As A Trusted Source on Google