TL;DR
- Bitcoin Windfall: Durant’s 2016 Bitcoin purchase at $650 per coin has skyrocketed in value, now worth over $116,000, turning a modest investment into a multimillion-dollar asset.
- Wallet Recovery: After years of being locked out, Durant’s Coinbase account was successfully restored, confirmed publicly by CEO Brian Armstrong following Kleiman’s remarks.
- Crypto Partnership: Durant’s longstanding ties to Coinbase include early investment through his firm 35V and a 2021 ambassadorship, deepening his role in the crypto space.
After nearly a decade of uncertainty, NBA icon Kevin Durant has regained access to a long-dormant Bitcoin wallet, resolving speculation about his locked Coinbase account. The recovery was confirmed by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who addressed the matter publicly following comments made at CNBC’s Game Plan conference. Durant’s initial investment dates back to late 2016, when Bitcoin traded at approximately $650. With the cryptocurrency now hovering near $117,000, the unlocked account represents a significant financial windfall.
We got this fixed. Account recovery complete! https://t.co/TWYFpQkXsb
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) September 19, 2025
A Decade-Old Investment Reawakens
Durant’s foray into Bitcoin began in 2016, well before the cryptocurrency’s meteoric rise. At the time, Bitcoin was valued at just $650. Today, that same coin is worth over $116,000, marking a 180-fold increase. Over the past five years alone, Bitcoin has surged more than 950%, turning modest investments into multimillion-dollar holdings. A $10,000 investment at Durant’s entry price would now be valued at nearly $1.8 million, underscoring the magnitude of the recovery.
Public Revelation and Swift Resolution
The issue came to light during CNBC’s Game Plan conference in Los Angeles, where Durant’s business partner, Rich Kleiman, revealed that Durant had been locked out of his Coinbase account for years. Within hours, Armstrong responded on social media, confirming that the recovery process had been completed. His post, “We got this fixed. Account recovery complete!” ended the speculation and reassured followers of Coinbase’s responsiveness.
Beyond the Wallet: Durant’s Coinbase Ties
Durant’s relationship with Coinbase extends beyond personal investment. In 2017, he and Kleiman added the exchange to their 35V investment firm’s portfolio. By 2021, Durant had become a public ambassador for Coinbase through a marketing agreement. Despite these professional ties, the Bitcoin purchased before these partnerships remained inaccessible until now. The recovery not only restores Durant’s holdings but also reinforces the credibility of Coinbase’s account recovery protocols.
Looking Ahead: Durant’s Dual Season
With the account now active, Durant enters the upcoming NBA season with the Houston Rockets holding direct control over assets acquired nearly a decade ago. The timing aligns with his evolving role as both athlete and investor, highlighting the intersection of sports, finance, and digital innovation. As Bitcoin continues to shape global markets, Durant’s experience serves as a high-profile reminder of the long-term potential of early crypto adoption.
