The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers are expected to go toe-to-toe for this year's Eastern Conference title, and both teams are expected to make moves before the NBA trade deadline to bolster their title chances.

Previous reports suggested that both teams are still interested in trading for Kyle Lowry, who is having a great season this year, averaging 16.7 points to go along with 7.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game this season.

The Heat had initial talks with the Raptors earlier this month about a possible trade for the veteran playmaker, but Toronto reportedly expressed no interest in the assets offered by the defending champions.

On the other hand, recent rumors indicated that the Pacers are also serious in their trade bid for Lowry. Sources said that the Pacers are willing to offer a package involving George Hill or Danny Granger along with future picks.

However, an ESPN Insider reported that the Raptors are still undecided about trading Lowry or keeping him for the remainder of the season, which could backfire next summer.

The Raptors could lose the 27-year-old point guard without getting any assets in return since Lowry will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Sources said that the Raptors are leaning towards trading Lowry, but their front office knows that moving the eighth-year guard will be an unpopular move with fans, especially now that the Raptors are on the verge of ending their playoff drought.

"Word is they're not sold enough on Lowry, who will be a free agent after this season, to throw big, long-term money at him. But he's playing so well that trading him now could upset the fan base. One GM told me that if the Raptors start losing, they'll likely trade Lowry. But if they keep winning, they won't move him for fear of the PR hit," ESPN reported. 

Aside from Lowry, reports said that the Raptors will also consider moving All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan.

The Heat are expected to be in play for DeRozan, considering the fact that Dwyane Wade has been in and out of their lineup this season.

However, a DeRozan-to-Heat trade looks like a long shot, as reports indicated that the Raptors will only move the high-scoring guard if given a "terrific" offer.