New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is doing his homework on the city of Chicago as the deadline to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract approaches.

According to league sources, Anthony has talked to at least one high-profile person who lives in Chicago about what it's like to be famous in the Windy City.

Tom Thibodeau reportedly has reached out to some of Carmelo Anthony's former coaches as part of the Bulls' background check on the potential free agent. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The Chicago Bulls are one of several teams with whom Anthony would consider signing if he decides to test free agency this summer, sources recently told ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

The Bulls also have reportedly done their due diligence on Anthony in recent days.

According to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has reached out to some of Anthony's former coaches to inquire about the seven-time All-Star.

Anthony has to inform the Knicks by Monday if he intends to opt out of the final year of his contract and test free agency. Throughout this past season, Anthony had indicated that he intends to become a free agent this summer.

Anthony's research regarding Chicago -- and Thibodeau's reported background check on Anthony -- is the latest indication that there is strong mutual interest between the former NBA scoring champion and the Bulls.

Sources told ESPN in March that Anthony talked to Bulls center Joakim Noah during All-Star Weekend about what it was like to play under Thibodeau. That conversation turned into a recruiting pitch from Noah to Anthony, sources told ESPN.com.