James Harden -- DON'T LOOK AT MY NIKES ... That I'm Wearing Again

It's the shot James Harden's people don't want you to see ... the NBA star wearing Nikes -- AGAIN -- despite the fact he just signed a $200 MILLION deal with Adidas.

Harden was leaving his hotel in NYC -- when someone in his entourage aggressively tried to block the shot. And why? Maybe it had something to do with the Swooshes on his feet.

As we previously reported, Harden's deal with Adidas doesn't begin until Oct. 1st ... but the shoe company has made it clear to him they'd rather NOT see him out in public in Nikes!!!

There are reports that Harden is still under contract with Nike until Sept. 30th ... so, he's kind of between a rock and a hard place.

Who do you appease ... your soon-to-be-ex-employer or the people about to pay you $200 MILLION??

Side note ... Harden's PR person -- also wearing Nike.

SHOE WARS!!!!!