The Miami Heat's Eastern Conference title defense is off to an exceptionally slow start. Miami (9-14) is 12th in the East and struggling for momentum. The Heat might be in search of upgrades ahead of next month's trade deadline, and they could look to target Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry.

Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported Monday some Raptors personnel are of the opinion Lowry — who is on an expiring contract — should be traded to maximize value. Fischer also noted the Heat have “long shown interest” in Lowry.

The Heat could have a possible trade chip in Goran Dragic, but Fischer says Miami might also need to include one of Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson:

There are more cap gymnastics in play, and Miami has limited options in draft capital until 2025. It seems the Heat might have to part with one of Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson to make any Lowry deal worth Toronto's while. The Heat have never appeared keen to move either, league sources said, yet it's uncertain how Miami's slow start will color the team's efforts to capitalize on this championship window with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in place. “You know with Pat Riley, nothing's off the table,” one rival executive said.

Kyle Lowry is the kind of player who would seemingly fit perfectly alongside Jimmy Butler.

The 34-year-old harasses opposing guards and does all the little things defensively while also being a capable playmaker and floor spacer.

As Fischer noted, a deal could depend on Miami convincing Dragic to accept a trade, as well its willingness to part with one of Herro or Robinson.

Herro is still building as a secondary playmaker, but his 3-point shooting numbers are down, and he has been more inefficient with the ball in his hands. Robinson's shooting numbers are down but is still shooting over 40 percent from deep on 8.4 attempts per game. His off-ball skill set could be more important to the Heat going forward.

There is no telling how the Heat will proceed amid a slow start. But Kyle Lowry could be a player of interest in Miami.