James Harden is seeking a pause. For now, the Cleveland Cavaliers guard wants his ongoing legal troubles sidelined until the 2026 NBA playoffs conclude. However, the case remains active. The former Houston Rockets All-Star stands accused in a lawsuit tied to his now-closed restaurant, Thirteen. This is adding an off-court distraction to an already electric postseason stretch.

Midtown Scouts Square Property escalated matters in September, taking legal action against James Harden over $2.2 million in alleged unpaid rent. Eventually, Thirteen ceased operations. As tensions rose, the Midtown restaurant stayed locked. A posted notice confirmed the shutdown, marking a costly halt to Harden’s venture. “The door locks to the premises have been changed, and the tenant shall be excluded therefrom due to non-payment of rent,” the notice read.

Meanwhile, James Harden’s legal team moved quickly last week, submitting a motion in Harris County to delay depositions for both him and his mother, Monja Willis. The sessions are currently set for May 7 and May 8 in Austin. However, his representatives flagged key issues.

1. Most notably, Harden could still be active with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA playoffs, which run from April 18 through June 19.
2. Additionally, location remains a sticking point. Harden’s camp pushed back against the plaintiffs’ request to hold depositions in Austin instead of Houston.

Therefore, concerns grew around convenience, particularly for Willis. As a result, the defense is seeking adjustments, aiming to balance legal obligations with playoff commitments and logistical challenges. “Ms. Willis lives in Houston and has several health issues that require frequent treatment from doctors and medical providers in Houston,” the 36-year-old’s representative wrote.

“It is unreasonable to require that she travel away from Houston for a deposition and be away from her medical providers,” they added. Harden’s representative further continued that there was “never any discussion that the deposition would take place in Austin.” They added, “There was no further communication between counsel regarding the deposition scheduling.”

Well, the crevice of dispute deepened when Midtown involved James’ mother in the lawsuit.

James Harden’s Thirteen lawsuit

Meanwhile, Midtown Scouts Square Property widened the dispute, adding James Harden’s mother, Monja Willis, to the case. The plaintiffs are now pursuing $1 million in damages, with room for additional compensation and legal fees.

However, proceedings remain unresolved. Midtown and Harden continue depositions, keeping the case active and far from a resolution. Now, the lockout deals a heavy setback to James Harden’s Houston dining venture. Thirteen launched in early 2021. At the same time, Harden pushed his exit from the Houston Rockets, fueling one of the NBA’s most dramatic trade storylines.

That same week, The Beard delivered an emotional message before the Brooklyn Nets traded for him. He said, “This situation is crazy. I’ve literally done everything I can. I don’t think it can be fixed.”

Despite early turbulence, Thirteen carved out a loyal following. Initially, chef Tobias Dorzon led the kitchen with a Southern-inspired menu, setting the tone. However, change followed in 2024. The restaurant reintroduced itself under chef Siddartha Cadena, whose global experience reshaped the concept.

Now, the lease, signed in 2020 for five years and extended through October 2025, sits at the center of the dispute. However, the lockout changes everything. The landlord has refused new keys until the multimillion-dollar dues are cleared. Moreover, court filings reportedly state James Harden guaranteed the rent, while notices claim the restaurant defaulted, ultimately triggering the shutdown and stalling plans.