After nearly ten years of being locked out of his cryptocurrency account, NBA superstar Kevin Durant has finally regained access to his bitcoin holdings—and the timing couldn’t be more profitable. The Phoenix Suns forward’s itcoin-investment">bitcoin investment, purchased around 2016 when the digital currency traded near $650, has skyrocketed by more than 17,700% as bitcoin now hovers around $116,000. oinbase">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the successful account recovery on social media, stating “We got this fixed. Account recovery complete.”
Durant’s cryptocurrency journey began during his time with the Golden State Warriors, where teammates introduced him to bitcoin when it was trading between $360 and $1,000. His business partner Rich Kleiman recently addressed the prolonged lockout at CNBC’s Game Plan conference, admitting they “haven’t been able to figure out” the recovery process but noting that “bitcoin keeps going up… so it’s only benefited us.” While the exact size of Durant’s holdings remains undisclosed, the dramatic price appreciation has transformed what was likely a modest investment into a substantial windfall.
The high-profile case has drawn attention to broader customer service issues plaguing oinbase">Coinbase, with numerous users reporting similar difficulties accessing their accounts or receiving adequate support. Armstrong has acknowledged these complaints publicly, promising the company is “putting a big focus” on improving customer service. Interestingly, Durant and Kleiman are not only customers but also investors in oinbase">Coinbase, having promoted the platform through their media company Boardroom, making the resolution of this case particularly important for the exchange’s reputation.
This incident underscores both the incredible potential returns of early cryptocurrency adoption and the critical importance of secure account management in the digital asset space. Durant’s experience serves as a reminder that while the technology promises financial freedom, users must still navigate the practical challenges of account security and customer service that can make or break their investment journey.
