Former Toronto Raptors forward Lonny Baxter has extended his contract with Italy's Montepaschi Siena despite being sentenced to two months in jail for firing a gun into the air a few blocks from the White House.

Siena general manager Ferdinando Minucci said Tuesday that the club had extended Baxter's contract by one season through 2007-08.

"We're counting on his spirit of renewal," Minucci told The Associated Press. "We're hoping to restart his career."

Minucci said Baxter is scheduled to be released from prison Oct. 11, three days after the Italian season starts, and is then expected to travel to Italy.

Minucci said the club expects Baxter to begin playing by early December, meaning he will likely miss between six and eight games.

"We sent him a DVD with all our plays and an introduction to the club, along with a training regimen," Minucci said, adding that Baxter has one hour per day to work out in prison.