James Harden pushes for step-back on unpaid Houston rent deposition during playoffs

James Harden wants to step-back from his current legal issues, at least until the end of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Harden, a former Houston Rockets' All-Star and current guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a defendant in a lawsuit regarding his former restaurant, Thirteen. Midtown Scouts Square Property, a real estate company, sued Harden in September regarding an alleged $2.2 million in unpaid rent. The doors to Thirteen were locked, and per a notice on the door of the midtown restaurant, "the door locks to the premises have been changed, and the tenant shall be excluded therefrom due to non-payment of rent." Harden's mom, Monja Willis, was later added to the lawsuit, in which the plaintiffs seek $1 million in monetary relief, plus potentially more in additional damages and legal fees.

Harden and Midtown Scouts have yet to square off in court with their respective depositions. One issue preventing a resolution to the lawsuit? Scheduling.

Harden's representation filed a motion in Harris County last week to quash—or reschedule—the depositions for him and his mom, which are currently scheduled for May 7 and May 8 in Austin. Harden's reps cited two concerns with that plan. For one, Harden could still be playing for the Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs in early May, with the postseason running from April 18 to as late as June 19. There's also concern regarding the deposition's location. Harden's camp said the plaintiffs requested the deposition be held in Austin rather than Houston, a concern for Willis.

"Ms. Willis lives in Houston and has several health issues that require frequent treatment from doctors and medical providers in Houston," Harden's representation wrote. "It is unreasonable to require that she travel away from Houston for a deposition and be away from her medical providers."

Harden's representation added that there was "never any discussion that the deposition would take place in Austin," adding that "there was no further communication between counsel regarding the deposition scheduling."

Thirteen opened in 2021, months after Harden's trade request from the Rockets (and eventual departure for the Brooklyn Nets). Thirteen received a new design and menu in 2024 but effectively closed in September 2025 due to alleged unpaid rent.

Source: https://www.chron.com/sports/article/james-harden-unpaid-rent-lawsuit-houston-22183463.php