Bitcoin

September 19, 2025 at 10:36

Kevin Durant’s Forgotten Bitcoin Stake: Long-Term Upside From a Forgotten 2016 Buy

Basketball star Kevin Durant ended up as an accidental holder. The NBA star lost access to his Coinbase account, where he bought BTC back in 2016 for around $360–$1,000. The coins sat untouched for years, while the price climbed about 11,000%. Now the exchange is helping recover access, and the athlete's agent jokes that the forgotten password made him the perfect holder.

Source available for registered users Sign Up Free

Analysis

Kevin Durant’s case underscores how long-held BTC positions can become highly valuable even when forgotten. It illustrates the enduring appeal of a patient, custody-backed crypto strategy, where early purchases can compound dramatically over a decade. The involvement of Coinbase in restoring access also highlights the custody and recovery challenges that can accompany crypto ownership, especially for high-profile individuals. Overall, the story emphasizes the power of time in crypto and the importance of secure, retrievable custody. From a market perspective, the episode reinforces the narrative of Bitcoin as a multi-year allocation rather than a quick trade. The dramatic price move from a 2016 entry point to today’s levels showcases the asymmetric upside that long-term holders can enjoy, provided access is maintained and security is robust. It also serves as a reminder that even famous holders can be sidelined by forgotten credentials, which can delay or complicate participation in future upside. For investors, the takeaway is clear: prioritize reliable custody solutions, maintain recovery options, and view crypto as a patient, long-horizon component of a diversified portfolio rather than a high-turnover asset in a busy financial toolkit.

Recommendation

Take a long-term, custody-first approach to crypto holdings. - Ensure you have secure, recoverable access to any BTC or other crypto you own (hardware wallets, seed phrases stored securely). - Consider a simple, clear recovery plan so you can regain access if credentials are lost. - Treat crypto as a long-horizon allocation; avoid frequent churn and focus on defensible, low-risk storage solutions. - If you’re new to crypto, start with a small, diversified exposure and gradually scale as custody routines and tax implications are understood. - Regularly review security setups and keep recovery information up to date to prevent forgotten access from turning into a total loss.

Disclaimer

The Analysis and recommendations provided are for informational purposes only. Any investment decisions should be made at your own risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.