With six games on the NBA docket tonight, let's round up any odds and ends from around the Association here:

• In HoopsWorld's NBA PM column, Alex Kennedy summarizes some of the trade chatter we've heard recently from the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Raptors, Rockets, Lakers, Magic and Jazz.
• Speaking of the Mavs, despite Mark Cuban's recent bold proclamations, Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas writes that it is business as usual in Dallas.  While some of the Mavs players admit that swirling rumors can be a distraction, Rick Carlisle says it has always been the norm in his time under Cuban. 
• In a Yahoo Sports video, Greg Anthony and Marc J. Spears discuss the leading candidates for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, specifically mentioning Paul George, James Harden, Greivis Vasquez, Nikola Vucevic and Jrue Holiday as the current contenders.
• In the New York Times' Off The Dribble blog, Jim Cavan writes that the Pacers have been one of the few teams that has arguably benefited from losing a superstar to injury this year, citing the emergence of Paul George as a franchise player in Danny Granger's absence as the reason.

TNT's David Aldridge checks in as usual on a Monday with his Morning Tip column at NBA.com, and this week's edition is full of trade rumors as talk heats up around the league. Here's a digest of Aldridge's latest scuttlebutt, with a heavy focus on the Raptors.

• While Andrea Bargnani's elbow injury will keep him out for a month, delaying trade talk, one rival GM is convinced he'll eventually be leaving the Raptors, feeling as though there's no doubt GM Bryan Colangelo will trade him.
• The Raptors are leery of adding another international player, according to Aldridge, which would make them reluctant to trade for Pau Gasol. 
• Aldridge speculates the Raptors won't deal Jose Calderon to the Lakers, and instead ship him somewhere for a draft pick to create a massive trade exception. Aldridge writes that such a trade exception would be $15.6MM, but I believe it would be closer to $10.6MM, reflecting Calderon's salary.
• A league executive speculates that the Cavs will hold on to Varejao through the summer of 2014, when LeBron James can become a free agent, so they can make a pitch to their erstwhile superstar. In any case, the Cavs have set Varejao's asking price too high for other teams' tastes, as they often do with their many of their players, according to Aldridge.
• Though the Thunder are reportedly content to stand pat for now, Aldridge believes they could try to move the Raptors pick they got from the Rockets in the James Harden trade, speculating that one of their targets could be Varejao.
• Aldridge spoke with a GM who joins the seeming consensus that the Jazz are more likely to deal Paul Millsap than Al Jefferson. The GM believes Jefferson is a better fit with Derrick Favors. 
• The Bucks want an upgrade at small forward, and Aldridge thinks the team is more likely to move "one of its undersized four or oversized threes" than trade Brandon Jennings or Monta Ellis.
• The Wizards are open to trading one of their big men for veteran help at the point, where they're woefully thin in John Wall's absence.
• The Pacers are willing to tinker, but aren't putting Paul George or George Hill on the table.
• No one aside from Jrue Holiday is off-limits as the Sixers seek a big man, though it would take a lot to pry Thaddeus Young or Evan Turner from their hands.

The latest news and notes from around the Atlantic Division:

• The Knicks could use Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire in their lineup, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post.
• Jrue Holiday, who signed a four-year extension last month, is so far rewarding the confidence the Sixers showed in him, observes John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• John Rohde of the Oklahoman catches up with former Thunder guard Royal Ivey, now with the Sixers.
• Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald writes that Celtics rookie forward Jared Sullinger is motivated by his slide out of the draft lottery.
• The Boston Herald also catches up with Glen Davis, who finds Magic coach Jacque Vaughn a nice change of pace from the Celtics' Doc Rivers.

11:54pm: The team has sent out a press release confirming the deal.

"Jrue is both an outstanding player and an important part of our future," owner Josh Harris said. "We are very excited to keep a player of Jrue's caliber in Philadelphia and truly look forward to further building the 76ers legacy around his leadership."

11:13pm: The Sixers and Jrue Holiday have agreed to an extension, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Stein reports the deal is worth four years and $41MM, but Sam Amick of USA Today hears that incentives could bring the deal to $46MM (Twitter links).The extension appeared to be a 50-50 proposition earlier today, when Holiday was reportedly seeking $12-13MM annually, so it appears the team got him to make some concessions. 

The deal was reached with seven minutes to spare before the 11pm Central deadline for rookie-scale extensions, tweets TNT's David Aldridge. It comes on the heels of extensions for fellow point guards Ty Lawson and Stephen Curry, and his could be the least lucrative of the three depending on whether he reaches the incentives. The Sixers will likely have about $45.5MM on the books for 2013/14, meaning a new max deal for Andrew Bynum would put them over the cap at about $63.5MM, giving them fairly limited flexibility next summer.

Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors predicted an offer worth $40MM over four years back in August, but said he wouldn't have been surprised if Holiday declined that offer and played out the season to show off for suitors in restricted free agency. The 22-year-old UCLA product saw his numbers decline virtually across the board last season, including a dip from 6.5 assists per game to 4.5 in less than two fewer minutes per contest. Still, his scoring per 36 minutes has increased with each season in the league, just as his turnovers per 36 minutes have gone down. 

This year's deadline for extension-eligible fourth-year players to sign new deals is just hours away, arriving at 11:00pm CT today. Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka, and Ty Lawson came into the day as the only players with new contracts, while Stephen Curry reached an unexpected agreement with the Warriors this morning and James Harden agreed to a maximum deal with the Rockets this afternoon. Will we see any other extensions signed before the night is out? We'll track today's extension-related rumors and rumblings right here:

• Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago reports Taj Gibson is seeking a four-year extension worth $40MM while the Bulls are offering $32MM. Sam notes a $36MM figure in the middle would be equal to what fellow forwards Ryan Anderson and Jeff Green got over the summer, and less than the $10MM or more Sam believes Gibson could command as a restricted free agent next summer (All Twitter links).

Earlier updates:

• The Cavs have passed on an extension for Omri Casspi, the Plain Dealer reports via Twitter.
• The Warriors had no intention of letting Stephen Curry go, regardless of whether they reached an extension, and the same is true for the Raptors and DeMar DeRozan, tweets Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.
• A league source told Kyler that Ty Lawson's extension "set some things in motion" regarding extensions for other players (Twitter link).
• In a piece discussing the team's decision to pick up Quincy Pondexter's option, Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal notes the Grizzlies never spoke with Arn Tellem, the agent for Wayne Ellington, about an extension for his client. 
• Jrue Holiday is content however his extension negotiations with the Sixers turn out, writes John Finger of CSNPhilly.com. “I’m happy and I want to be here and if we wait until the end of the season there are more options. I’m happy either way,” Holiday said. 
• The Bulls and Taj Gibson's camp are still talking, according to TNT's David Aldridge, and agent Mark Bartelstein told Shama Charania of RealGM.com, "Never say never" (Twitterlinks).
• Gibson told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune he doesn't think he'll change his mind and accept the Bulls offer after the game tonight. "I doubt it," Gibson said. "Gotta move on."
• A source close to talks between the Raptors and DeMar DeRozan expressed a hint of optimism that a deal will be reached, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
• The Bulls' offer to Taj Gibson isn't changing, and the two sides are separated by roughly $8MM on a four-year proposal, reports K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link).
• A deal between the Grizzlies and Wayne Ellington won't take place, tweets Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, who adds Ellington was well aware he wouldn't get an extension. 
• Talks about extensions for Taj Gibson and Jrue Holiday are expected to go "down to the wire," Ken Berger of CBSSports.com hears (Twitter link).
• Jrue Holiday tells Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com that the Sixers have come back to him and his agent with a counter-offer regarding an extension. There's no indication of how close the team's offer is to getting something done, but Holiday says there's some reason for optimism, according to Moore (Twitterlinks).
• A source close to the talks between the Raptors and DeMar DeRozan is pessimistic about the chances of an extension agreement, tweets Sam Amick of USA Today. However, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun hears that a deal, one in the neighborhood of four years and $34MM, is is still possible. Earlier this afternoon, we heard from Adrian Wojnarowski and Wolstat that the two sides were making progress (links below).
• Barring a late surge of momentum, an extension for Taj Gibson from the Bulls appears unlikely, says Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).
• With an extension from the Bucks almost certainly not coming today, Brandon Jennings had mixed feelings, writes Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Wayne Ellington was prepared not to receive a contract extension from the Grizzlies, telling Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal (Twitter link): "It’s always something you think about. Now it’s something I’ve got to work for."
• While there's no deal in place yet, the Raptors and DeMar DeRozan have made progress in talks on a four-year extension, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun hears the same thing (Twitter link). After initially expressing skepticism that a deal would get done, Wolstat now thinks there's a 75% chance the two sides work something out, predicting an annual salary of $8MM+ (Twitterlinks).
• All signals continue to suggest the Raptors won't be extending DeMar DeRozan today, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
• Jrue Holiday still isn't ruling out an extension, telling Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com "you never know what will happen" (Twitter link). One league source places the odds of the Sixers extending Holiday at 50/50, tweets Ken Berger of CBS Sports, while Moore hears the point guard is seeking $12-13MM annually (Twitter link).
• The Bulls "remain hopeful" that Taj Gibson will accept their extension offer by tonight, says Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com.
• James Harden has yet to sign an extension with the Rockets, but it's still expected to happen before the end of the day, tweets Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.
• Reports continue to suggest that Brandon Jennings will not be extended by the Bucks before tonight's deadline. Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is the latest to say that Jennings isn't expected to receive a new deal, citing multiple sources.
• Jrue Holiday hasn't heard anything from the 76ers or his agent about a possible extension, tweets Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News. Holiday added that Lawson's $48MM extension doesn't affect him, since "I want what I want" (Twitter link via Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com).
• It appears the Sixers are at least still exploring a new contract for Holiday. Head coach Doug Collins told the media that Tony DiLeo didn't come to the team's shootaround, likely because the GM was in his office talking about a potential Holiday extension (Twitter link via Cooney).

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld shared a few updates on extension-eligible players in his NBA AM column this morning, and also tweeted a few notes about the Rockets' options in free agency next summer. Let's dive right in and round up the highlights....

• James Harden and the Rockets will almost certainly reach an agreement on a five-year extension today or tomorrow. It's just a matter of whether it will be for the true max or slightly below that.
• If Tyreke Evans, who won't be extended this week, struggles early in the season, he could become a trade candidate for the Kings.
• According to Kyler, Brandon Jennings' camp is seeking an extension worth $9-10MM annually, which the Bucks aren't interested in. Those numbers are a little surprising to me -- I'd think the Bucks wouldn't mind a deal in that neighborhood, while Jennings would be seeking something closer to the max.
• The Sixers and Jrue Holiday don't appear headed for an extension this week. Kyler says Philadelphia's offer was worth about $8-9MM annually.
• The "broad strokes" are there for an agreement between Ty Lawson and the Nuggets. Now it's just a matter of working out the final value of the contract.
• The odds of Taj Gibson and the Bulls reaching an extension agreement today or tomorrow are about 50/50 at best.
• The Hawks have told Jeff Teague that he's still part of their long-term plans, but the team wants to maintain flexibility next summer, so he won't be extended now. The Bobcats have a similar stance with Gerald Henderson and Byron Mullens.
• In a series of tweets, Kyler says the Rockets are unlikely to be serious players for Josh Smith in free agency next summer, unless they trade for him. The fifth year that the team holding Smith's Bird Rights will be able to offer could be a dealbreaker, according to Kyler, who adds that the forward appears happy with the Hawks for now.
• Kyler expects the Rockets to take a similar approach to what they did this past offseason, pursuing restricted free agents and perhaps making a poison pill offer or two. Paul Millsap could also be a potential target, says Kyler (Twitter links).

Tomorrow is the last day for fourth-year players eligible for extensions to finalize new deals with their respective teams, and we're expecting at least a couple players to be extended. James Harden appears to be a lock, and Ty Lawson is making progress on an extension with the Nuggets. Will any other extension-eligible players sign new contracts? Former SI.com scribe Sam Amick weighs in for his new outlet, USA Today:

• Unlike Lawson, Jrue Holiday doesn't seem to be moving any closer to a deal with his team, the Sixers, as agent Tony Dutt explains: "We've had conversations, but I don't feel like any progress has been made. We haven't talked in a while."
• A gap remains in talks between the Warriors and Stephen Curry. Given Curry's ankle issues, he likely hasn't done enough this preseason to prove he's worthy of a significant long-term commitment.
• Tyreke Evans remains unlikely to be extended by the Kings, as team president Geoff Petrie indicated earlier this month: "In Tyreke's case, you can make X (amount of money) now, but if you want to make X-plus, then certain things have to happen."
• A source close to Brandon Jennings says an extension isn't likely for the Bucks guard, but cautioned that anything could happen.
• Taj Gibson's agent continues to negotiate with the Bulls on a new deal for his client.

Tom Moore of PhillyBlurbs.com took note of 76ers guard Jrue Holiday's preference to remain in Philadelphia and eagerness to secure a contract extension. After today's practice, Holiday elaborated on his desire to stay.

"I definitely want an extension," Holiday said. "I want to play here. I feel comfortable. It’s like family to me. But it’s kind of out of my hands. I’ve just got to go out and play every day.... I do think (the offer) should be fair... But, again, it’s really up to them. If they come out and I like the number they offer, then yeah (I’d sign). If not, then, hey, what can I do?"

Last week, we relayed a report about a meeting between Holiday's agent, Tony Dutt, and team management to touch base upon extension talks. Moore writes that while Holiday is looking for a four or five-year-deal worth close to the maximum of $13.6MM, the 76ers have initially presented an offer worth closer to $9MM. If an extension agreement is not made before next Wednesday, Philadelphia can present a qualifying offer of $3.8MM this summer and enable Holiday to become a restricted free agent.

Last week, both TNT's David Aldridge and ESPN.com's Marc Stein passed along rumors and rumblings they'd heard about this offseason's extension candidates. With just six more days for Ty Lawson, Taj Gibson, and other extension-eligible players to work out new deals with their teams, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld throws his hat into the ring, rounding up a few of the latest updates:

• James Harden would like to end speculation about his contract situation, and that could mean he accepts an offer worth less than the max from the Thunder, says Kyler. A contract that includes incentives is a possibility.
• The Kings are unlikely to lock up Tyreke Evans this month, and could even explore trading him prior to this season's deadline. Kyler hears from sources close to Evans that he'd welcome free agency "if only to find a situation that believes in him as a player."
• The Warriors still like Stephen Curry and figure to retain him beyond this season, but an extension probably won't happen within the next week. Given Curry's ankle issues, it's simply too hard to value him fairly.
• DeMar DeRozan appears headed for restricted free agency, and the Raptors would like to see a "big leap" from him this season before committing too heavily next summer.
• Brandon Jennings is "far from secure" in Milwaukee, and the Bucks could consider trading him before the deadline, according to Kyler.
• Kyler hears that the 76ers have offered Jrue Holiday an extension in the neighborhood of $9MM annually, but that's Holiday's camp turned it down, expecting to see a bigger payday in free agency.
• Lawson still appears to be one of the players most likely to be extended, and Kyler says the Nuggets could include incentives in their offer.
• The Bulls are likely to extend Gibson, who wants to stay in Chicago, though that doesn't necessarily mean he'll accept a hometown discount.

76ers point guard Jrue Holiday enters his fourth season as the youngest starting floor general in the Atlantic Division, and head coach Doug Collins appears confident in giving him the reigns to Philadelphia's offense: "I want that ball in Jrue's hands...I want our wings getting down the floor, I want Jrue to be the one getting that ball and pushing it. For the most part I want our guys sprinting the floor, getting down the floor and flattening it out and let Jrue come down and make plays." Dei Lynam of CSNPhilly.com also points out that the team now has more capable perimeter shooters compared to having to rely on multiple playmakers last year, which implicitly benefits the spacing on the floor and allows Holiday more room to operate. Here are a few more notes out of the Eastern Conference:

• Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago chronicles the shooting struggles of Marco Belinelli during the preseason, but Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau doesn't appear too concerned.  
• Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun believes that the Raptors could have one of the better combinations of reserve players in the league this season. 
• Al Iannazzone of Newsday says that Knicks guard/forward Ronnie Brewer will go through contact work during Sunday's practice and could play as soon as Monday night if he doesn't feel any pain. The 6'7 veteran has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery in early September. 
  
• Heat sharpshooter Mike Miller looks forward to playing a full season this year, as Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today writes that he is the healthiest he's been in two seasons. 
• Newsday's Al Iannazone provided an update on Rasheed Wallace, who according to Knicks head coach Mike Woodson is still doing conditioning work and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday after the team returns from its current pre-season road trip (Sulia link). Woodson hinted that the team may play Wallace next week in order to get an idea of his progression.  

• Earl Barron talks to Michael Lee of The Washington Post about trying to make the most of his opportunities on the Wizards' pre-season roster.  
• Bob Finnan of The News-Herald writes about the impact that Jerry Sloan had on the development of Cavaliers forward C.J. Miles. 
• Knicks center Marcus Camby told Al Iannazone of Newsday that he expects to be cleared to start scrimmaging around mid-to-late next week and is targeting the team's season opener on November 1st for his return (Sulia link). The 38-year-old center has been dealing with a strained left calf over the last two weeks.