Well we don't know what conversation they had but your right why would you consult with a guy your looking to trade. But it could be he ask CJ what team would prefer going to.
I think most people have a backwards idea of how NBA trades are usually pulled off. I don't think that the GM mindset is usually, "we have to trade Player X", unless the guy has some serious issues from a contract or health standpoint. I think it's usually the other way around in that players on other teams are identified who could be available and who fit a roster need. From there it's determined if the other team has an interest in moving that player and what kind of a package it would take to get it done. It's no secret that the Blazers could really use a good established wing player or PF. If the right player was available, it would be a matter of trying to find the right mix of Blazers players that would make the deal happen.
he’s not wrong though. If you think CJ is a bad contract you need to look around more. Cronin will have zero issue moving him if he makes that decision.
I also think it might have been as simple as Cronin talking to CJ trying to be sure that the right move is to split him and Dame up. Given CJ's long tenure with the club, Joe could have just been being thorough before embarking on getting some value for CJ by trading him.
Dame & CJ probably had as many question direct questions of Cronin. I would hesitate you ask how do you guys feel about one of ya being traded? he it first hand quick. Im sure they would say hey its a business and we all have our jobs do to.