Collingwood are scrambling to find a future draft pick to satisfy the Brisbane Lions in a deal for James Aish after the Lions have all but finalised a separate deal with North Melbourne for Ryan Bastinac.

While there had been discussions about a three-way trade involving three clubs with Aish getting to Collingwood and Bastinac to Brisbane, the Lions have found a way to land the North midfielder without involving the Magpies.

Under the North deal with the Lions, which is close to being completed, Brisbane will give up pick 17 and receive picks 38 and 40 in return from North with Bastinac.

As a result of that deal, the Lions would have enough draft "points" - despite losing pick 17 - to cover the cost of their two talented academy players, who are expected to attract higher bids.

The Aish negotiations between Collingwood and Brisbane have already seen the Pies offer up the future second-round pick they have received from St Kilda for Nathan Freeman.

But it is understood Brisbane want another future second-rounder in 2016, when they will have another highly sought academy player. They no longer feel they need second-round picks in this year's draft. Collingwood are already committed to trading their future first-round pick for Adam Treloar, a deal that has been agreed in principle but still hasn't been signed off. This means they cannot their own future second-rounder but the Pies can, however, trade future picks they gain in a trade.