So much for that “Adidas is about to be crackin'” declaration — because the shoe company’s $200 million man James Harden just stepped out in NYC … ROCKIN’ NIKES … AGAIN!!!

As we previously reported, Adidas made it clear to Harden last week they were pissed the NBA star was spotted in Air Jordans … after inking him to a HUGE endorsement contract.

Harden told TMZ Sports he smoothed things over with Adidas … and even though his contract doesn’t go into effect until October 1st … he was on board and bragged about the company is about to BLOW UP!!

Fast forward to today … with Harden back in Swoosh kicks.

So, here’s how this plays back at Adidas HQ — “Our poster boy thinks Nike is better … ’cause he keeps wearing them even though we’re paying him $200 MILLION!!!!”

Which begs the question — who’s gettin’ fired?!?

Got the drop on TMZ . . .