Originally Posted by
Chuckles1
The 9-speed road shifters aren't compatible with 9-speed MTB derailleur.
I've run Sora (3500) shifters with both a Deore and Deore XT 9sp rear derailleur and it worked good. There was an issue at first, which I isolated to the cable housing. Once replaced it shifted well.
You can use a Wolf Tooth roadlink with your current derailleur to get more range.
Note that a Sora RD-3500 medium cage rear derailleur could likely handle a 36T.