Paul Pierce just delivered a message Celtics fans can't ignore

Sometimes, it takes being removed from a situation to appreciate it to the fullest. With all the trials and tribulations Paul Pierce went through in Boston, it would be understandable if, during his Celtics career, he didn't believe that was necessary.

Pierce's connection with the fan base was strong. And he spent the first 15 years of his career immersing himself in what it means to play for the NBA's original monarchy. He developed relationships with Bill Russell, Red Auerbach, and many of the legends who came before him. Then, he captained the team that raised banner 17 to the TD Garden rafters. The future Hall of Famer earned Finals MVP for his performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

For a kid from Inglewood, California, to pen a chapter like that in one of the most iconic rivalries in sports, how many more experiences did he need to appreciate his time in Boston?

It turns out, there was only one more development that could strengthen his connection with the fan base. Unfortunately, it came at a steep price.

Paul Pierce reflects on his trade from the Celtics

The 10-time All-Star recently joined Derrick White and Alex Welsh on their podcast, "White Noise." Near the end of his appearance, White asked him about what it was like getting traded from Boston.

"It hurt, to be honest. I never wanted to leave. I understood the circumstances. I understood what the business was all about, but like I said, I planted my roots. I became a man in Boston," said Pierce. "So, it was hurtful because when I came back to play that game, I couldn't even play that game. It was so emotional for me, and I was just holding it in. It was just like, I didn't want to play the game. It was just like, the announcement, and this is my first time in 15 years not getting called in the starting lineup. Right here, and now, I'm in the other locker room. I'm over here like, 'Damn, this is what it looks like?' Cause I never went in the other locker room, and it was just like, it was emotional for me."

However, as painful as it was for him to get traded, going with Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets, being removed from the situation made it even easier for him to see how much he means to the Celtics' fan base and the region the franchise resides in.

"It was hurtful, but you know, it was great for the simple fact, for the first time, you just kind of like felt like, 'Damn, I really was super appreciated here,'" said Pierce. "You felt it, [but] when you [are] in it, you really don't see it as much when you [are] in it. You know what I'm saying? But when you step out of it and then you come back in and see like -- you like, 'Oh damn, they really loved me here.'"

It was also the trade that led to the Celtics drafting Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. So, while it was painful for both sides, as much as they would've preferred Pierce's career end with him having only played in Boston, it also had benefits for both sides.