Cavaliers' Harden Seeks Delay in Lawsuit Over Unpaid Rent

All-Star guard wants legal issues put on hold until after playoffs

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:39pm

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James Harden, a star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is seeking to delay a lawsuit against him regarding $2.2 million in unpaid rent for his former restaurant 'Thirteen' until after the 2026 NBA playoffs. The lawsuit was filed in September by Midtown Scouts Square Property, a real estate company, against Harden.

Why it matters

Harden is a high-profile NBA player, and any legal issues he faces could become a distraction for his team as they make a playoff push. The lawsuit also highlights the challenges professional athletes can face when venturing into business ventures off the court.

The details

Harden, a former Houston Rockets All-Star, opened the restaurant 'Thirteen' in Houston several years ago. Midtown Scouts Square Property, the real estate company that owns the building where the restaurant was located, is suing Harden for $2.2 million in unpaid rent. Harden is now seeking to delay the lawsuit proceedings until after the 2026 NBA playoffs, when his focus can return to the legal matter.

  • Harden opened the 'Thirteen' restaurant in Houston several years ago.
  • Midtown Scouts Square Property filed the $2.2 million lawsuit against Harden in September 2026.
  • Harden is seeking to delay the lawsuit proceedings until after the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The players

James Harden

A star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who previously played for the Houston Rockets. Harden is facing a $2.2 million lawsuit over unpaid rent for a restaurant he owned.

Midtown Scouts Square Property

A real estate company that owns the building where Harden's former restaurant 'Thirteen' was located. Midtown Scouts Square Property is suing Harden for $2.2 million in unpaid rent.

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What they’re saying

“We must focus on the playoffs and bringing a championship to Cleveland. The lawsuit can wait until our season is over.”

— James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers Guard

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming weeks whether to grant Harden's request to delay the lawsuit proceedings until after the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges professional athletes can face when venturing into business ventures off the court, and the potential distractions legal issues can create during a playoff run.