contract extensions in the mid season + another question

I'm playing with the Knicks in association mode, and I've notice that from January I can extand the contract of Ronnie Turiaf. Is the only one on the team I can sign in the middle of the season, other players who are free agents at the end of the season don't have that option.
I thougt I can do that with Carmelo if I trade him to New york, but I can't. I don't know why only Turiaf got that option. Is there anyway to change that?

And by the way, on the calander there's numbers on top right. what is that?

that option (sign) show up because the player it self want it..so,not all player with expiring contract have that option..

Well, as the person said above me, it's usually for players who are extremely happy and want an extension.

Ok, thanks.
and the second question, someone knows?

It is,I think, the number on how many games you have played already.

That's how many games YOU have played, not simmed