The trade deadline deal for Alston was a great move. That propelled them into the Finals, unless you missed it. The only reason they lost from there was because they all hated Van Gundy. Howard was complaining he wasn't getting the ball, VG brought Nelson back and he ruined the chemistry of the offense (and the second unit where Hedo was bringing the ball up and running the offense so effectively), and Alston was furious. If it wasn't for bringing Nelson back, that would have been the move of the season. (At the deadline).
I don't think Danny got lucky with PJ and Sam as much as you think. Sam gave us very little, and PJ really just hit one big shot and played really good D, which is exactly what everyone expected out of them. This year, we got much less than expected with Moore, and pretty much what everyone expected with Marbury (apart from the timidness to shoot, but good D, good ball movement, good decisions, a little confused). Tread deadline deals work out fine, and I would like to see what the team needs are and what teams are out of the playoff race and looking to move some talent.
If we can get something worth while before hand then fine. I would just rather see us hold onto that as a way to quick-fix any problems we run into.