The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers expressed strong interest in acquiring free agent forward Shawn Marion, reports confirmed on Thursday.

Marion, who averaged 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season, met with Cavaliers officials on Monday in Cleveland in the hope of striking a deal to improve their title chances next season.

Aside from the Cavaliers, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that the Pacers are also making moves to lure the veteran forward, who is still considered as one of the elite defenders in the NBA.

Sources said that the Pacers view Marion as the perfect short-term replacement for superstar Paul George, who is expected to miss the rest of the 2014-15 NBA season after sustaining a horrific leg injury.

Indiana reportedly applied for a disabled player exception that could give them around $5.3 million in cap space to sign Marion, which means that they could trump Cleveland's offer of veteran's minimum around $1.4 million per year.

But while the Pacers can offer bigger salary and a more significant role for next season, Wojnarowski noted that the Cavaliers have the upper hand at this point.

The 36-year-old forward, who is reportedly intrigued with the opportunity of teaming up with LeBron James and possibly Kevin Love, has yet to commit to the Cavaliers, but sources indicated that an agreement could be reached soon.

Things could still change in the coming days, though, since the Cavaliers are also in talks with other free agents, including veteran point guard Chauncey Billups.

Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports confirmed that Billups, who averaged 3.8 points and 2.2 assists in 19 games with the Detroit Pistons last season had a workout with the Cavaliers and the 37-year-old is also interested in playing in Cleveland next season.

"Free agent guard Chauncey Billups also worked out for the Cavaliers today & is interested in playing there, a source said. No offer was made," Spears posted on Twitter.

"Chauncey Billups shot the ball very well in workout with Cavs & looked like he could still be a productive despite some rust, sources said," Spears added.

Aside from Billups, the Cavaliers are also waiting for Ray Allen's decision. The Cavaliers are interested in signing the sweet-shooting veteran, but Allen recently said that he is not in a hurry to sign as he is still considering retirement.