NBA superstar Kevin Durant has successfully regained access to his Coinbase account containing Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency heavyweight exchange confirmed recently. This revelation came after Durant’s agent and business partner, Rich Kleiman, revealed the issue during CNBC’s Game Plan conference earlier this week.
Durant’s Bitcoin Journey: From Early Adopter to Investor
Durant, a well-established name in professional basketball, initially ventured into cryptocurrency back in 2016 when Bitcoin was trading at around $600. This decision was significantly influenced by a birthday gathering hosted by venture capitalist Ben Horowitz. According to Kleiman, the evening’s discussions revolved heavily around Bitcoin, which later motivated them to start investing the next day.
Durant’s early investments have undoubtedly paid off, as the price of Bitcoin has surged over 950% in the past five years, recently trading at around $117,000. His move into cryptocurrency showcases his forward-thinking approach to wealth diversification and business strategy.
Challenges with the Coinbase Account
Despite his groundbreaking decision to adopt Bitcoin early, Durant experienced a relatable issue—forgetting or losing crucial account credentials. Kleiman humorously shared during the conference, “It’s just, it’s insane. You really don’t have the password? We really don’t have it.” The Coinbase team worked closely with Durant and Kleiman to resolve the issue efficiently, highlighting their reliable customer support processes.
This incident also underlined Durant’s nearly decade-long partnership with Coinbase, which began with both promotional collaborations and equity investments through his firm, 35V. Over the years, Coinbase has remained a valuable partner in building Durant’s business portfolio.
The Bigger Picture: Athletes Embracing Cryptocurrency
Durant is not alone in adopting Bitcoin and other digital assets. A growing number of professional athletes are exploring these financial opportunities. For instance, Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has actively promoted blockchain and Web3 technologies, while Charlotte Hornets’ Spencer Dinwiddie once attempted to tokenize his NBA contract.
The rise of high-profile crypto investors across industries demonstrates the shifting landscape of financial strategies. With the continued growth of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, more athletes are likely to follow in Durant’s footsteps, leveraging digital assets to secure their financial futures.
Get Started with Coinbase
If you’re inspired by Kevin Durant’s success in cryptocurrency, consider creating your account on Coinbase today. A beginner-friendly platform with a host of educational materials, Coinbase allows you to confidently start your journey into cryptocurrency investments. Sign up here to start investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies!
