Continuing the trend of adding extras, such as swatches of game-worn uniforms, to sports cards, Topps is capitalizing on the NBA All-Star Game being held in Las Vegas on Feb. 18 with Chip Cards.

A chip featuring an NBA player, including Heat guard and Topps spokesman Dwyane Wade, will be embedded into the limited edition cards. The cards will only be available at the Topps booth at the 2007 NBA All-Star Jam Session for fans who purchase three packs of Topps basketball cards at Jam Session, open them and turn in their wrappers for a Chip Relic Card. Other players appearing on chips include Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter and Adam Morrison.

HEAT CASHES IN

Meanwhile, launching throwback uniforms, adding retail stores, creating a popular color-based playoff theme with lots of new merchandise, and of course, winning the 2006 NBA Championship, helped earn the Heat the title of NBA Retailer of the Year for 2006.

The award is given to the NBA team with the most successful merchandise sales. The Heat now has three Miami Hoops Gear stores beyond its store in AmericanAirlines Arena at Dolphin, Sawgrass Mills, and Dadeland malls. Floridians throwback jerseys and the “White Hot” playoff theme helped the team record a 175 percent jump in sales over the previous year. The Heat also received the honor, created five years ago, in 2003.