NBA star recovers long-lost Coinbase account amid rising crypto prices
NBA superstar Kevin Durant has regained access to his Coinbase account nearly 10 years after losing it, according to Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. The development highlights both the long-term potential of Bitcoin and the challenges of account recovery in the crypto industry.
A Decade-Old Bitcoin Purchase
Durant revealed at the Gameplan Summit in Santa Monica that he first discovered Bitcoin around 2014–2015 through YouTube videos. Together with his agent Rich Kleiman, he invested shortly afterward, spurred by conversations at a party hosted by venture capitalist Ben Horowitz.
“We’ve never sold anything, and his Bitcoin is just through the roof,” Kleiman noted while reflecting on the early purchase.
Losing access to the account, however, left Durant unable to touch his investment for nearly a decade. Coinbase finally confirmed the successful recovery this week. Armstrong announced on X: “We got this fixed. Account recovery complete!”
Bitcoin’s Surge Adds Weight to Recovery
Back in 2016, Bitcoin traded between $400 and $1,000. Today, it stands above $115,000, representing a gain of over 11,000% since Durant’s initial exposure. This remarkable appreciation means Durant’s holdings are likely worth many times their original value.
Financial analysts suggest this story illustrates how early conviction in digital assets can deliver substantial rewards — provided investors can maintain access to their wallets and accounts.
Customer Support Under Scrutiny
While Durant’s recovery grabbed headlines, many Coinbase users voiced frustration with their own locked accounts. “You have thousands of people that are locked out of their accounts, Brian,” one user posted, pointing to customer service shortcomings.
Armstrong responded by pledging improvements: “We’re putting a big focus on getting better at customer support at both ends — improving products so fewer people need support, and providing a faster, higher quality experience when you do.”
A Lesson for the Industry
Durant’s case underscores a broader issue in crypto adoption: secure account recovery remains one of the biggest challenges for both exchanges and users. As Bitcoin and altcoins continue their rise, stories like these reinforce the importance of digital asset security and investor readiness.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.